Danny Aiello, a native New Yorker and former Union representative for Greyhound bus employees, was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance as Sal, the owner of the pizza parlor in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" and received the Los Angeles Critics Award for best performance by an actor in David Rabe's play "HurlyBurly". Danny has produced and starred in a short film against violence in today's societyshot in Paris, called "Save the Rabbits". It is co-produced and directed by Jean-Pierre Marois.
He has appeared in motion pictures like "The Godfather Part II" - "Fort Apache The Bronx" - "Once Upon a Time in America" - "The Purple Rose of Cairo" - "Moonstruck" - "Radio Days" - "Do the Right Thing" - "Harlem Nights" - "Once Around" - "Mistress".
Danny lives with his wife Sandy in Ramsey, New Jersey. His son Danny III is a movie stunts man and his son Rick is an actor.
Danny never passes a person on the street without giving something. If he has no money he at least gives them a kind word. he never yells at them or says, "Get a job." Every day a blind homeless man recognizes Aiello by his aftershave. He says "Hi, Danny" and "Thanks." He hears no coins hitting his plate. Danny always gives him a bill.
