Joe Pesci

Biography

Joe Pesci (born 1943) is an American actor, musician, and comedian, instantly recognizable for his distinctive voice, intense on-screen presence, and his remarkable ability to oscillate between terrifyingly volatile and endearingly comedic roles. A master of the character actor, Pesci has carved out a unique niche in Hollywood, earning an Academy Award and a place among the most iconic performers of his generation.

Born Joseph Frank Pesci on February 9, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey, Pesci's early life was deeply immersed in the entertainment world. He began performing as a child, appearing in plays and even on a television variety show called "Star Time Kids" by the mid-1950s. In the 1960s, he pursued a music career under the stage name Joe Ritchie, releasing an album titled "Little Joe Sure Can Sing" and playing guitar with various bands, including Joey Dee and the Starliters. He also formed a comedy act with his friend and future co-star, Frank Vincent.

Despite his early dabblings, success in acting was not immediate. Pesci’s first credited film appearance was in the low-budget crime film "The Death Collector" (1976). It was this small role, however, that caught the eye of Robert De Niro, who, along with director Martin Scorsese, was so impressed that he convinced Scorsese to cast Pesci in "Raging Bull" (1980). This pivotal role as Joey LaMotta, the fiery brother and manager of boxer Jake LaMotta, earned Pesci his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and launched his film career.

The collaboration with Scorsese and De Niro became a recurring and highly successful partnership. Pesci became renowned for his intense portrayals of complex, often violent, and foul-mouthed characters, frequently in gangster films:

• "Goodfellas" (1990): This iconic role as the psychopathic gangster Tommy DeVito earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His performance, particularly the improvised "You think I'm funny?" scene, became a cultural touchstone.
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• "Casino" (1995): He delivered another unforgettable performance as the ruthless mob enforcer Nicky Santoro.
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• "The Irishman" (2019): After a semi-retirement from acting, he returned to critical acclaim in this Martin Scorsese epic, portraying the quiet yet powerful mob boss Russell Bufalino, earning him another Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Beyond his dramatic and often menacing roles, Pesci al

so showcased his considerable comedic talent, proving his versatility:

• "Home Alone" (1990) and "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" (1992): He endeared himself to audiences as the bumbling burglar Harry Lyme, part of the "Wet Bandits."
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• "My Cousin Vinny" (1992): His role as the unconventional, fast-talking New York lawyer Vinny Gambini was a comedic tour de force, earning him widespread praise for his unique blend of wit and charm.
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• "Lethal Weapon" franchise (1989-1998): He added comic relief as the irritating but ultimately helpful con man Leo Getz.

In 1999, Pesci announced a retirement from acting to pursue a music career and other interests, but he has made selective returns to the screen, always to significant effect.

Joe Pesci's contributions to cinema are undeniable. He is celebrated for his precise comedic timing, his explosive dramatic range, and his ability to infuse even the most hardened characters with a distinct, often unexpected, humanity. His unique style and memorable performances have solidified his place as one of the most compelling and enduring character actors in American film.