Danny Aiello: Madonna's 'Papa Don't Preach' Video Was 'Crap'

Danny Aiello had never heard of Madonna before he was asked to play her father in the songstress's "Papa Don't Preach" video. So why did he do it? He was persuaded to be part of the mid-80s project by his daughter, who now can't stand the diva.

"You know, that came about in a very strange way," Danny explains. "I had no idea who [Madonna] was, so I said to [daughter] Stacey in passing, 'They want me to do this music video with this girl named Madonna.'She said, 'Dad, Dad, you have to.' I went back and said I'll do it if my daughter is permitted on the set taking pictures with Madonna. ... Madonna sort of backed up and told her representative that I don't do that. My daughter has hated her ever since. ... I'm a movie actor doing this piece of crap!"

Now Danny is making music himself -- jazz, but not of the traditional variety. He says he's an actor who interprets lyrics rather than calling himself a singer.

"[My album] was dedicated to my son. Unfortunately, I lost [him] a year ago in May. He was a very special young man," Danny tells me. "It was pancreatic cancer. I have elected to do PSAs [public service announcements], and they have been so sensational. ... It's just devastating."

To catch my entire interview, check out "Naughty But With Rob" on HDNet Thursdays at 8 p.m.

Comments

[thomasdep]

09:10 AM on 01/02/2012

So glad Lady Gag Gag has replaced Madonna.......but why on Earth would they ask her to perform at the superbowl if not to clear out the living rooms of everyone watching???

[Helena Williamstom]

10:17 PM on 11/20/2011

Talk about the hand that fed you. I had never heard of Danny Aiello until he appeared in Madonna's video. Now that he wants a little publicity for his cd, its ok to bash Madonna.

Good call Mr. Aiello....

[KCWinter]

11:07 AM on 11/22/2011

It's obvious he was asked about the video; it's not like he randomly brought it up. He's a character actor who has starred in over 50 films. He's been featured in films since the 70s, including this little known film called The Godfather Part II. Just because YOU never heard of him, it doesn't make him less relevant.

[Tumunzahar]

05:47 AM on 11/20/2011

In equally relevant news, Pee-wee's Playhouse was awesome! And don't get me started on Matlock.

[Proud Bay Man]

01:49 AM on 11/20/2011

This guy seems like another Madonna in the spotlight jerk, so where's the difference?

[yumk]

01:38 AM on 11/20/2011

Umm I had never heard of Dannny Aiello before the Papa Don't Preach video and have not seen him in anything since!

[RichVAman]

09:01 PM on 11/19/2011

OK, maybe I don't get it. Madonna's video happen over 25 years ago. Why is Danny Aiello's sour grapes coming out now?! And WHY should we care?!

[aniHuffs]

06:12 PM on 11/19/2011

I don't get it. He's saying his daughter is a brat that didn't get what she wants but he still did the video, right? Whether Madonna said no or not, that video is an 80s classic.

[Rob Shuter]

10:43 AM on 11/19/2011

he's not scared to say what he thinks. love him

[bluegnu63]

11:36 AM on 11/19/2011

As you are; love ya, Rob.:)

[thejadedentrepreneur]

10:40 AM on 11/19/2011

Poor Danny Aiello.

[Nicolletta]

09:46 AM on 11/19/2011

Lol. But he went ahead and did the video for the paycheck. I loved that video and song.

[awwtfp]

11:21 AM on 11/19/2011

paycheck? You know he probably got a few thousand if that for a video shoot back then. He was committed to doing it and went along. The guy is a real actor not a video nobody...

[Tara Hanks]

06:28 AM on 11/19/2011

If Madonna really did snub Danny Aiello's daughter I can understand his distaste about working with her, though we only have his word for it. However, I disagree with him re the video. It's a classic 1980s pop song and video - it sounds like, as a 'movie actor', Aiello's being snobbish about another medium and I don't think that's a valid line of criticism.

[kaemicha]

01:47 AM on 11/19/2011

I don't have to believe any negative gossip from one celebrity (?) about another.

[Marshall74]

12:06 AM on 11/19/2011

I used to pleasure myself to her Borderline video back in college. That's the only assessment I have concerning her musical career.

[bluegnu63]

11:37 AM on 11/19/2011

That's pretty good, then.;)

[kaemicha]

06:53 PM on 11/18/2011

Gee, Danny, thanks for sharing your negative petty comments with us. It's all about gossip - not being kind to your fellow performers...??

[grandma lolo]

11:40 PM on 11/18/2011

you weren't there so u have to take his word for it, i guess