All enthusiasts of gangster life should be well aware of Martin Scorsese’s 1990 masterpiece of a crime drama, Freedmenand it would be a bit worrying if they didn’t know Joe Pesci at all if they’ve seen the movie in which he takes on the role of the most beloved character – Tommy DeVito
Joe Pesci is also pretty well decorated in terms of personal achievements in the film industry, having won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Tommy DeVito in Freedmenas well as two other nominations for angry bull & The Irishman. He’s also a recurring actor in Martin Scorsese’s gangster movies, because after all, his nominations come from films that Scorsese directed. Here’s how he rose to the ranks of Hollywood’s elite.
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From rags to riches, Joe Pesci’s rise to the top of Hollywood’s elite actors
On February 9, 1943, Angelo and Maria Pesci welcomed their newborn son Joe Pesci into the world. The Pesci family lived in the town of Newark, New Jersey, Pesci’s father was a forklift driver and bartender, and his mother was a part-time hairstylist.
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The Alone at home acting career in the field of theater began quite early. He was already appearing in local radio dramas and working on several plays in New York City, a place full of opportunities, and frequenting guest appearances on a television variety show called The children of the star hour.
However, Pesci shifted his interests to another area of art as he got older – and that was in the realm of music. His first album- Little Joe of course can To sing!which was a collection of cover versions of songs by him, was released in 1968. The Once upon a time in America The actor was also part of Joey Dee & The Starlifters, a band/music group that later recruited universally acclaimed guitarist Jimi Hendrix after Pesci’s departure from the band.
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That one call from Martin Scorsese would change his life forever
Joe Pesci’s acting career really began when he landed a role in the 1976 crime drama, The Collector of Death, which had a low budget configuration. Little did he know that his performance in the film would eventually land him a role in yet another Scorsese masterpiece, essentially sparking his rise to the top of Hollywood.
Martin Scorsese, as well as Robert De Niro, were impressed with Pesci’s performance in The Collector of Death. Both ended up calling Pesci in 1979, with the offer of a supporting role in Scorsese’s next sports drama. angry bullhe gladly accepted the offer.
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Since his involvement in angry bullthe musician-actor has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films – the list includes Freedmen, moon walkerthe first two Alone at home movies, and so on. Pesci’s last film appearance was in the critically acclaimed gangster epic The Irishmandirected by Martin Scorsese once again.
Joe Pesci’s hard work and acting prowess earned him a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, it also gave him a fortune that could last him three centuries. The 79-year-old actor has a net worth of $50 million, and that may continue to grow.
