A Man With A Big Dream

Joe Pesci: From Small-Time Hustler to Hollywood Legend

A Man with a Big Dream

Joe Pesci, born in Newark, New Jersey, on February 9, 1943, started his career with humble beginnings as a small man with a big dream. Owner of a bowling alley and nightclub in Jersey, Ruby Dennis Pesci yearned for something more, setting his sights on the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Pesci's break came in 1983, when he starred opposite Rodney Dangerfield in the comedy "Easy Money." His performance caught the attention of Martin Scorsese, who cast him in "Once Upon a Time in America" (1984) alongside his good friend Robert De Niro.

A Star is Born

Pesci's breakthrough role came in 1986 with "Raging Bull," Scorsese's biopic about boxer Jake LaMotta. His portrayal of the volatile and violent Tommy Como garnered him widespread critical acclaim.

From that point forward, Pesci became known for his ability to seamlessly transition between laugh-out-loud comedies like "Home Alone" (1990) to gripping crime dramas like "Casino" (1995), solidifying his reputation as a versatile and unforgettable character actor.

Collaborations that Made History

Pesci's collaborations with De Niro and Scorsese produced some of the most iconic films of all time. His role as Nicky Santoro in "Casino" earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and his brief but unforgettable appearance as Tommy DeVito in "Goodfellas" (1990) is considered one of the greatest supporting performances in cinematic history.

Joe Pesci's legendary status is undeniable, and his films continue to entertain and captivate audiences around the world.