Early Life and Beginnings
Joe Pesci was born Joseph Frank Pesci on February 9, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey. Raised in Belleville, New Jersey, Pesci was exposed to the entertainment industry at a young age. His mother, Maria, worked as a barber, while his father, Angelo, was a bartender and forklift driver. Joe’s first steps into show business began at the age of four when he appeared on radio shows and stage performances in New York.
By the age of 10, Pesci became a regular on the television variety show Star Time Kids. In addition to acting, he pursued a music career in the 1960s, releasing the album Little Joe Sure Can Sing! in 1968 under the stage name Joe Ritchie. He also played guitar for Joey Dee & the Starliters. Later, Pesci formed a comedy duo with Frank Vincent, performing together from 1970 to 1976 before transitioning to film.
Rise to Fame and Breakthrough Roles
Joe Pesci’s breakthrough came with The Death Collector (1976), which caught the attention of Robert De Niro. Recognizing Pesci’s talent, De Niro introduced him to director Martin Scorsese, leading to his casting in Raging Bull (1980). His performance as Joey LaMotta earned him an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA Award.
Pesci continued his rise with roles in Dear Mr. Wonderful (1982), Easy Money (1983), Eureka (1983), and Once Upon a Time in America (1984). In 1985, he played the lead role in the short-lived television series Half Nelson. He also appeared in Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker (1987) as a menacing mob boss.
Hollywood Success and Notable Films
Pesci’s Hollywood career soared in the late 1980s and early 1990s with a series of iconic performances:
Lethal Weapon Series (1989-1998)
He played Leo Getz, a fast-talking sidekick in Lethal Weapon 2, reprising the role in Lethal Weapon 3 (1992) and Lethal Weapon 4 (1998).
Goodfellas (1990)
His role as Tommy DeVito won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Home Alone Series (1990-1992)
Pesci played the bumbling burglar Harry Lyme in Home Alone and its sequel.
JFK (1991)
He portrayed David Ferrie in Oliver Stone’s political thriller.
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
His performance as the quick-witted lawyer Vinny Gambini became one of his most beloved roles.
Casino (1995)
He reunited with De Niro and Scorsese for another gangster classic.
Despite his success, Pesci largely stepped away from acting in the late 1990s, choosing semi-retirement after appearing in films like 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1997) and Gone Fishin’ (1997). In 1998, he also released the album Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You.
Return to Acting and Recent Projects
Joe Pesci made a brief return to acting with a cameo in The Good Shepherd (2006), directed by Robert De Niro. He starred in The Love Ranch (2010) and appeared in a 2011 Snickers commercial. His voice work included A Warrior’s Tail (2015).
One of his biggest comebacks came with The Irishman (2019), directed by Martin Scorsese and starring De Niro and Al Pacino. Scorsese reportedly had to persuade Pesci multiple times to accept the role. His performance received widespread critical acclaim, earning him Oscar, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild nominations.
In addition to acting, Pesci returned to music, releasing Pesci… Still Singing in 2019.
Personal Life and Legal Battles
Joe Pesci has been married three times. His first two marriages remain largely private, but his third wife was actress Claudia Haro. The couple was married from 1988 to 1992, and Haro had a small role in Casino. Haro was later convicted for the attempted murder of her second husband, stuntman Garrett Warren, and sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2012.
Pesci was engaged to model Angie Everhart in 2007, but the couple ended their relationship nine months later. He has one daughter, Tiffany, from his first marriage.
In 2011, Pesci sued Fiore Films for $3 million, alleging that he had gained 30 pounds for a promised role in Gotti, which was later reduced. The case was settled out of court in 2013.
Awards and Recognitions
Pesci has received numerous awards throughout his career:
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (1990): Goodfellas
- BAFTA Award (1982): Best Newcomer for Raging Bull
- American Comedy Award (1993): Funniest Actor for My Cousin Vinny
- Oscar and Golden Globe nominations (2019): The Irishman
Joe Pesci’s Net Worth and Real Estate Holdings
Joe Pesci has amassed an estimated net worth of $50 million, thanks to his successful acting and music careers.
One of his significant real estate investments was an 8-bedroom mansion on the Jersey Shore, purchased in 1994 for $850,000. He listed it for $6.5 million in 2019 and sold it in 2021. The 7,200-square-foot home featured floor-to-ceiling glass walls, an elevator, and a heated swimming pool.
Legacy and Influence
Joe Pesci remains an iconic figure in Hollywood, known for his dynamic acting range, from intense gangster roles to comedic performances. His collaborations with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro have cemented his place in film history. Though he has taken extended breaks from acting, his impact on the industry is undeniable, and his performances continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.
With a career spanning decades and a reputation for unforgettable characters, Pesci’s legacy in Hollywood is firmly established.
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