Joe Pesci

Joseph Frank Pesci was born on February 9, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey, USA. He would grow up to become a well-known actor, musician, and comedian. Pesci's early life in New Jersey was rooted in a working-class neighborhood, and he showed an interest in performing arts from a young age. By the age of 5, he was appearing in plays in New York.

On September 19, 1980, Joe Pesci starred alongside Robert De Niro in the critically acclaimed film 'Raging Bull'. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this film was a turning point in Pesci's acting career. He played the role of Joey LaMotta, Jake LaMotta's brother, and his performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

In 1990, Joe Pesci starred as Harry Lyme in the blockbuster film 'Home Alone', released on November 21, 1990. Playing one of the two bumbling burglars, Pesci's performance was both comedic and memorable, contributing to the film's massive success. 'Home Alone' became a defining movie of the 1990s and remains a holiday classic.

On March 25, 1991, at the 63rd Academy Awards, Joe Pesci won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'Goodfellas'. Directed by Martin Scorsese, 'Goodfellas' is considered one of the greatest films of all time. Pesci's role as the volatile and dangerous gangster Tommy DeVito showcased his talent and cemented his place in cinema history.

Joe Pesci starred as Vincent 'Vinny' Gambini in the comedy film 'My Cousin Vinny', released on March 13, 1992. His humorous portrayal of a brash and inexperienced lawyer from New York trying to win a murder case in Alabama won critical acclaim. The film is celebrated for its wit and Pesci's performance, highlighting his versatility as an actor.

Joe Pesci reprised his role as the fast-talking Leo Getz in 'Lethal Weapon 3', released on May 15, 1992. The film was a commercial success and added more comedic elements to the action-packed series, with Pesci's character providing much of the humor and chaos. His performance in the franchise became one of his most iconic roles in action-comedy films.

On November 22, 1995, Joe Pesci reunited with Robert De Niro and director Martin Scorsese for the film 'Casino'. Pesci played the role of Nicky Santoro, a character based on real-life mob enforcer Anthony Spilotro. The film explores the complex relationships and violence within the Mafia's control of Las Vegas casinos in the 1970s and 1980s.

In 1999, Joe Pesci announced his retirement from acting to pursue a quieter life and return to his first love, music. This followed decades of work in the film industry, earning him a place as one of Hollywood's memorable actors. However, Pesci would come out of retirement for occasional roles in the future, showcasing his enduring talent.

Joe Pesci returned to acting with a part in the 2006 film 'The Good Shepherd', directed by Robert De Niro. Released on December 22, 2006, the film is a historical drama about the early history of the CIA. Pesci played the role of Joseph Palmi, a mobster, highlighting his distinctive style and adding depth to the film's complex narrative.

'The Irishman', directed by Martin Scorsese, was released on September 27, 2019. Joe Pesci played Russell Bufalino, a Pennsylvania mob boss. The film was a significant cinematic event, bringing together Pesci with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. Pesci's subtle and restrained performance earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for an Academy Award.