Joe Pesci

Date of Birth: February 09, 1943
Place of Birth: Newark, New Jersey

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Joe Pesci Biography

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JOE PESCI

flixster.actor.pane.162660077 - flixster

"I've given my whole life to show business.
I'd like to find out about another part of life,
a more relaxing and spiritual
part and a more enjoyable part."

Joe Pesci mini-bio: Compact Italian-American actor born February 9, 1943, in Newark, NJ, who first broke into entertainment as a child actor and by the mid-50s was starring on the series "Star Time Kids". In the mid-'60s he released a record under the stage name of "Joe Ritchie" titled "Little Joe Sure Can Sing", and was also playing guitar with several bands, including Joey Dee and The Starliters. He even joined with friend Frank Vincent to start a vaudeville-style comedy act, but met with limited success (interestingly, Pesci and Vincent would later go on to co-star in several gangster films together, including Goodfellas (1990) and Casino (1995))

Pesci's first film role was as an uncredited dancer in Hey, Let's Twist (1961) and then he had to wait another 15 years for a minor part in The Death Collector (1976). His work in the second film was seen by Robert De Niro, who convinced director Martin Scorsese to cast him as "Joey LaMotta" in the epic boxing film Raging Bull (1980), which really got him noticed in Hollywood. He played opposite Rodney Dangerfield in Easy Money (1983), was with buddy DeNiro again in Once Upon a Time in America (1984), nearly stole the show as con man Leo Getz in Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) and scored a Best Supporting Actor Oscar playing the psychotic Tommy DeVito in "Goodfellas".

His comedic talents shone again in the mega-popular Home Alone (1990), and he put in a terrific performance as co-conspirator David Ferrie in JFK (1991). Pesci was back again as Leo Getz for Lethal Weapon 3 (1992), and was still a bumbling crook in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), and had a minor role in the Robert De Niro-directed A Bronx Tale (1993). He was lured back by Scorsese to play another deranged gangster named Tommy (based on real-life hood Tony Spilotro [aka "The Ant"]) in the violent Casino (1995), and starred in the comedies 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1997) and Gone Fishin' (1997), although both failed to fire at the box office.
He returned again as fast-talking con man Leo Getz in Lethal Weapon 4 (1998).
Director Martin Scorseseand actor Robert De Niro tracked down Joe after seeing his role in The Death Collector(1976) because they felt he was perfect for the role of Joey La Motta in Raging Bull(1980).Reprised his character from My Cousin Vinny(1992) for his 1998 album "Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You". The single "Yo Cousin Vinny" was a hit in some European countries.
Close friend of George Carlin and mentioned by Carlin in his bit "There is No God.".
After winning the oscar for his role as Tom DeVito in the movie Goodfellas(1990) his entire acceptance speech was "This is an honor and privilege, thank you." When asked why he didn't say more he said "I really didn't think I was going to win."

Joe Pesci's 1998 Album

Very good friends with fellow actor and frequent co-star,Robert De Niro.
Sang as Joe Doggs with jazz organ player Joey DeFrancesco They recorded an album on Concord Records in 2003 titled, "Joey DeFrancesco featuring Joe Doggs, Falling in Love Again."

Joe Was the original choice to play "Fergie" in Judge Dredd(1995) but turned it down. The part was given to Rob Schneider,instead.
His performance as "Tommy DeVito" in Goodfellas (1990) is ranked #96 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.
Joe Pesci was good Childhood friends with Frankie Valli,Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi.He Introduced them to Bob Gaudio Valli, DeVito, Massi, and Gaudio became the rock group The Four Seasons.
Robert De Niro accidentally broke Joe's rib in a sparring scene in Raging Bull(1980). This shot appears in the film: De Niro hits Pesci in the side, Pesci groans, and there is a quick cut to another angle.
According to Maxim magazine, he wrote and directed the "You think I'm funny?" scene from Goodfellas(1990) at director Martin Scorsese's request.
Was considered for the role of Owen in Throw Mamma from the train(1987).
Will be in an up-coming film called Love Ranch due out sometime in 2010

"From being an actor as a kid, I think
I just pick up things from people. I'll
hawk from everybody pretty much."

Joe Pesci's Vital Stats

Eye color: Eyes are two different colors

Height: 5'4

Nickname(s):Joe Ritchie,Joey

Notable feature(s):short-tempered and obscene swearing

Family: Daughter named Tiffany
Ex-wife Claudia Haro
Ended 9 month engagement to Angie Everhart

Resides in: New Jersey

Religious affiliations: Catholic

Personal interests/hobbies:Golf,Judo,Is a little leaque baseball coach,singing and playing the guitar

Other:The word "Pesci" in Italian means Fish
Producer of the Broadway Musical 'Jersey Boys'

Charities: Joe has played in numberous golf charity tournaments over the years. He has also worked with the Charity H.O.M.E They offer affordable housing opportunities through rental and home ownership programs to individuals and families who have disabilities.

Last update: Nov 18 2009, 1:22 PM EST by bigdaddydaryl (content history | content tools) (help)

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Comments

xobabygreekox

Amazing actor!

posted 107 days ago
Sebdinovitch

He's so funny in Lethal Weapon 4 !

posted 338 days ago
SoulSweeper

u are great

posted 456 days ago
sportboy

well I would say hes a very good actor because I enjoyed the film Home Alone because he did brilliant.

posted 655 days ago
koolkatielady

joe is mean

posted 701 days ago
aughung

What the X is so funny about me? Tell me!

posted 710 days ago
Queenfan101

i think he is funny in lethal weapon 4!

posted 871 days ago
jonsam85

Joe Pesci is very humorous, especially when he plays Harry in Home Alone.

posted 962 days ago
michaelangelobatio

FUCK ME!!!! FUCK ME !!!! YOU MOTHER FUCKER YOU FUCKED MY MOTHER YOU SHIT KICKIN' HORSE MANUER STINKIN' DEGENERATE YA. Casino was made by this guy.

posted 1039 days ago
TheWiseGuy

"Funny How?" Joe Pesci is GREAT!!

posted 1097 days ago

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Joe Pesci Movies

The Good Shepherd (R, 2006)
Lethal Weapon 4 (R, 1998)
Gone Fishin' (PG, 1997)
8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (R, 1997)
Casino (R, 1995)
With Honors (PG-13, 1994)
Jimmy Hollywood (R, 1994)
A Bronx Tale (R, 1993)
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (PG, 1992)
Lethal Weapon 3 (R, 1992)

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Joe Pesci Trivia

Who was the actor who was killed by Joe Pesci in both Raging bull and Goodfellas? Answer »
Who am I? I have starred in such films as Goodfellas, Casino, Home Alone 1 and 2, and My Cousin Vinny Answer »
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