Feb 9, 1943
Aquarius
Newark, NJ
82 years old
N/A
N/A
Movie Actor
Name & Age
Joseph Frank Pesci (commonly known as Joe Pesci) was born on February 9, 1943, making him 82 years old as of 2025 .
Place of Birth & Family Roots
Pesci hails from Newark, New Jersey, born into an Italian-American household. His mother, Maria (née Mesce), was a part-time barber, while his father, Angelo Pesci, juggled work as a General Motors forklift driver and a bartender . The family descended from Italian origins in both Turin and Aquilonia, Avellino .
Early Life & Performing Beginnings
Growing up in a humble, working-class neighborhood, Pesci embraced the arts early. By age five, he was performing in local plays and, by ten, appeared regularly on the variety TV show Startime Kids . These early experiences fostered his flair for humor and performance, setting the stage for his future career . He graduated from Belleville High School, New Jersey .
Music & Early Stage Work
In his twenties, Pesci pursued music, adopting the stage name Joe Ritchie. He recorded the 1968 LP Little Joe Sure Can Sing! and played guitar with show bands like Joey Dee & the Starliters . Early acting appearances included uncredited dancer roles and minor parts, but he steadily built up experience through the ‘60s and ‘70s .
Acting Career & Breakthroughs
Raging Bull (1980): Pesci earned critical acclaim and awards buzz for playing Joey LaMotta, earning Oscar and Golden Globe nominations .
Lethal Weapon 2 (1989): Showcased his comedic timing as the eccentric Leo Getz.
Goodfellas (1990): His fierce portrayal of Tommy DeVito (loosely based on real mobster Thomas DeSimone) earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor .
Additional hits include Once Upon a Time in America, My Cousin Vinny, Home Alone I & II, Casino, and JFK .
He briefly retired in 1999 to focus on music and personal life, but returned for The Irishman (2019) as Russell Bufalino, earning nominations from the Oscars, Golden Globes, SAG, and BAFTA .
Style & Recognition
Pesci is beloved for his dynamic portrayals ranging from volatile mobsters to lighthearted comedic figures. His collaborations with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro include multiple landmark films (Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, The Irishman), highlighting his versatility .
Awards & Legacy
Academy Award: Best Supporting Actor for Goodfellas (won), with additional Oscars nominations for Raging Bull and The Irishman .
Other recognitions include BAFTA, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, among others .
Recent Activities
Despite semi-retirement, he re-emerged in The Irishman (Netflix, 2019), earning critical praise .
In 2023, he took on a supporting role in Pete Davidson’s comedy series Bupkis, marking one of his rare TV performances .
Pesci cherishes privacy, splitting his time between New Jersey and a quiet personal life .
Joe Pesci’s journey—from an Italian-American kid on TV to an Oscar-winning character actor—reveals both depth and versatility. Whether sizzling with intensity or delivering comic relief, his persona continues to leave an indelible mark on cinema.
