Joe Pesci, American actor
Joseph Pesci: A Master of Volatile Charm and Versatile Performance
Joseph Frank Pesci, born on February 9, 1943, and pronounced PESH-ee (Italian: [ˈpeʃʃi]), is a distinguished American actor and musician whose career spans decades. Hailing from Newark, New Jersey, Pesci is widely recognized for his captivating portrayals of tough, often volatile and intense characters, particularly within the crime drama genre. Beyond his dramatic prowess, he has also showcased remarkable comedic timing, demonstrating a diverse range that few actors achieve.
A significant hallmark of Pesci's cinematic legacy is his enduring collaboration with acclaimed director Martin Scorsese and fellow actor Robert De Niro. This iconic trio has produced some of the most memorable and critically lauded films in recent history, cementing Pesci's status as a formidable talent. Their joint ventures include:
- Raging Bull (1980): Where Pesci portrayed Joey LaMotta, the supportive yet fiercely protective brother and manager of boxer Jake LaMotta. This role earned him his first Academy Award nomination.
- Goodfellas (1990): His electrifying performance as the psychopathic gangster Tommy DeVito garnered him widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal is remembered for its explosive unpredictability and raw intensity.
- Casino (1995): Pesci delivered another unforgettable performance as Nicky Santoro, a brutal enforcer, further solidifying his iconic on-screen partnership with De Niro.
- The Irishman (2019): Marking a highly anticipated return to the screen after a period of semi-retirement, Pesci reunited with Scorsese and De Niro to portray the quiet, menacing mob boss Russell Bufalino, earning him a third Academy Award nomination.
Beyond the Gangster Archetype: Pesci's Diverse Filmography
While often associated with his intense dramatic roles, Joseph Pesci's filmography is remarkably varied, showcasing his ability to excel across different genres:
Notable Dramatic and Crime Roles:
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984): Another significant collaboration with Robert De Niro, this epic crime drama saw Pesci in a pivotal role, adding to his reputation for powerful performances.
- Moonwalker (1988): A unique appearance in Michael Jackson's musical anthology film, demonstrating his willingness to explore unconventional projects.
- JFK (1991): Directed by Oliver Stone, Pesci took on the role of David Ferrie, a key figure in the assassination investigation, showcasing his versatility in historical dramas.
- A Bronx Tale (1993): A poignant coming-of-age crime drama directed by and starring Robert De Niro, where Pesci played the role of Carmine.
- The Good Shepherd (2006): Directed by Robert De Niro, this spy thriller saw Pesci in a supporting role, further extending his collaborative history.
Acclaimed Comedy Performances:
In stark contrast to his dramatic roles, Pesci has also delivered memorable comedic performances, proving his range and versatility:
- The Home Alone Franchise (1990–1992): As one half of the bumbling Wet Bandits (Harry Lime), Pesci's comedic timing and physical humor in the first two installments brought laughter to millions, making these films holiday classics.
- My Cousin Vinny (1992): This film proved to be a critical and commercial success for Pesci, who starred as Vincent LaGuardia Gambini, a novice lawyer. His sharp wit and unique delivery earned him widespread praise for his lead comedic performance.
- The Lethal Weapon Franchise (1989–1998): Joining the buddy-cop action series as the quirky, motor-mouthed Leo Getz, Pesci added a significant comedic element that became a staple of the sequels.
Awards and Recognition
Joseph Pesci's contributions to cinema have been widely recognized and celebrated. His most notable achievement is the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his iconic portrayal of the psychopathic gangster Tommy DeVito in Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas (1990). His brief yet memorable acceptance speech, "It's an honor to be here. Thank you," became a classic moment in Oscar history.
In addition to his win, he received two other Academy Award nominations in the Best Supporting Actor category:
- For his gritty and authentic portrayal of Joey LaMotta in Raging Bull (1980).
- For his subtle yet powerful performance as Russell Bufalino in The Irishman (2019), a role that marked his significant return to major acting.
A Return to the Stage: Pesci's Music Career and Retirement
Beyond his celebrated acting career, Joseph Pesci is also a talented musician with a passion for jazz and traditional pop standards. He announced his retirement from acting in 1999, expressing a desire to pursue other endeavors, including his music career. Despite this announcement, his undeniable talent has drawn him back to the screen on a few occasions. Notably, his highly anticipated return in The Irishman demonstrated that his acting prowess remained undiminished.
Pesci has released three studio albums, showcasing his vocal talents:
- Little Joe Sure Can Sing! (1968): His debut album, released well before his rise to acting fame.
- Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You (1998): A playful nod to his beloved character from My Cousin Vinny, this album blended his musical interests with his popular comedic persona.
- Pesci... Still Singing (2019): Released concurrently with The Irishman, this album marked a significant return to his musical roots, reaffirming his multifaceted artistic talents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Joseph Pesci
- When was Joseph Pesci born?
- Joseph Pesci was born on February 9, 1943.
- What are Joseph Pesci's most famous films with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro?
- His most acclaimed collaborations include Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990), Casino (1995), and The Irishman (2019).
- Which role earned Joseph Pesci an Academy Award?
- He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas (1990).
- Did Joseph Pesci act in comedy films?
- Yes, he is also known for his successful comedy roles, including Harry Lime in the Home Alone franchise, Vincent LaGuardia Gambini in My Cousin Vinny, and Leo Getz in the Lethal Weapon franchise.
- Is Joseph Pesci also a musician?
- Yes, Joseph Pesci is also a musician and has released three studio albums: Little Joe Sure Can Sing! (1968), Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You (1998), and Pesci... Still Singing (2019).