Joe Pesci's on-off relationship with cinema

As a teenager, Joe Pesci was friends with singers Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, and Bob Gaudio, all later to become members of the Four Seasons. Pesci was instrumental in 'Jersey Boys' (the story about Valli and the band), both with the 2005 Broadway musical and its 2014 Clint Eastwood-directed film adaptation.

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'Raging Bull' (1980) -

Pesci made his film debut in 1976, appearing alongside his buddy Frank Vincent in 'The Death Collector' (also known as 'Family Enforcer'). After watching the film, actor Robert De Niro recommended the actor to Martin Scorsese. The director subsequently cast Pesci as Joey LaMotta in 1980's critically acclaimed 'Raging Bull' (pictured).

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Packing a punch -

Pesci with Robert De Niro and Jake LaMotta, the boxer De Niro portrayed in the film. Pesci was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance. Additionally, he won the BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles.

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'Once Upon a Time in America' (1984) -

Italian director Sergio Leone's sweeping gangster epic saw Pesci again cast alongside De Niro. He originally auditioned for the part of Max, a role that eventually went to James Woods. He ultimately won the smaller role of Frankie.

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Talented cast -

Pesci, Robert De Niro, Sergio Leone, James Woods, and Danny Aiello pose after a screening of 'Once Upon a Time in America.'

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'Half Nelson' (1985) -

The following year, Pesci ended up briefly on the small screen, appearing as private detective Rocky Nelson in this short-lived television comedy series. He's pictured here with co-stars Victoria Jackson and Fred Williamson.

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'Lethal Weapon 2' (1989) -

In 1989, Pesci co-starred alongside Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in 'Lethal Weapon 2' as Leo Getz, a role he would reprise twice more in the highly successful franchise.

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'Goodfellas' (1990) -

Reuniting with Scorsese and De Niro for this celebrated crime drama proved a winner for Pesci. The film also stars Ray Liotta and Paul Sorvino.

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Oscar triumph -

'Goodfellas' was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, with Pesci winning for Best Supporting Actor. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe.

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'Home Alone' (1990) -

Pesci's next film was a comedy: the blockbuster 'Home Alone,' starring Macaulay Culkin. Two years later, Pesci reprised his role in the sequel 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.' He's pictured with partner in crime Daniel Stern.

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'JFK' (1991) -

Director Oliver Stone's compelling but highly controversial film 'JFK' saw Pesci portray David Ferrie, alleged to have been involved in a conspiracy to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. Pictured: the actor arriving for the film's premiere.

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'My Cousin Vinny' (1992) -

Pesci followed 'JFK' with this well-received comedy, a critical and financial success. The film co-stars Ralph Macchio, Mitchell Whitfield, Marisa Tomei, and Fred Gwynne.

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'The Public Eye' (1992) -

Based on the career of low-life New York crime photographer Arthur Fellig, or "Weegee" as he was also known, 'The Public Eye' follows Leon "Bernzy" Bernstein (Pesci), who ends up becoming involved in a murder case. Pesci's acting won critical praise.

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''Jimmy Hollywood' (1994) -

Pesci's career took a dip with 'Jimmy Hollywood.' He and co-star Christian Slater were lambasted by critics for their weak performances. A dismal return at the box office rubbed further salt into the wound.

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'With Honors' (1994) -

Pesci's next film also met with negative reviews. However, this comedy-drama has since achieved cult status among students and graduates of Harvard University, where the film takes place.

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'Casino' (1995) -

Seeking another hit, so to speak, the actor was back in form in Scorsese's gangster drama.

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Celebrity status -

Pesci with model Naomi Campbell at a Beverly Hills party in 2016. Despite "retiring" from acting in 1999, he has since appeared in a number of films and is often photographed with celebrities from the worlds of fashion and art.

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Return to music -

In 2019, the semi-retired actor returned to music with his third album and his first in 21 years, titled 'Pesci... Still Singing.'

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'The Irishman' (2019) -

Pictured: Pesci and De Niro in a scene from 'The Irishman.' After numerous requests, including a personal plea from De Niro, Pesci came out of his unofficial retirement to co-star in the film.

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'The Irishman' (2019) -

Pesci and director Martin Scorsese discuss a scene on set during a break in filming.

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"Bufalino" and "Hoffa" -

"Russell Bufalino" and "Jimmy Hoffa"—Pesci and Al Pacino, respectively—pose for the cameras during a publicity event for "The Irishman."

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Joe Pesci's on-off relationship with cinema

Take a look at the veteran actor's career-defining performances

30/01/20 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Retrospective

For his role in 'The Irishman,' Joe Pesci has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and a BAFTA Award for Best Film Actor in a Supporting Role. Not bad for someone who unofficially retired from the business more than 20 years ago. But that's Pesci all over. One of Hollywood's most enigmatic actors, this restrained genius has always been difficult to label. Right now, his career is currently enjoying a renaissance. But time will tell if it's enough to entice him back in front of the camera full-time.

For now, browse this gallery and take a look back at the life and work of this intriguing but at times underappreciated actor.