Joseph Frank Pesci changed Hollywood forever with his explosive performances. At 82 years old, this Newark, New Jersey native built a $50 million net worth playing unforgettable characters. Standing just 5’4¼” tall, he proved size doesn’t matter when you own every scene.
Joe Pesci broke through at age 36 after years cutting hair and playing guitar in clubs. His Academy Award-winning performances range from psychotic mobsters to bumbling burglars. Few actors move between comedy and drama with such natural skill.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Joseph Frank Pesci |
| Date of Birth | February 9, 1943 |
| Age | 82 years old (as of November 2025) |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Height | 5’4¼” (1.63 m) |
| Net Worth | $50 million (estimated 2024) |
| Profession | Actor, Musician, Singer |
| Notable Works | Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Home Alone, Casino, The Irishman |
| Awards | Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Multiple nominations |
| Spouse | Claudia Haro (1988-1992, divorced) |
| Children | 2 daughters (including Tiffany Pesci) |
| Residence | Lavallette, New Jersey |
Early Life Origins
Joseph Frank Pesci was born on February 9, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey. His parents Mary Mesce and Angelo Pesci worked multiple jobs to support their family. His mother cut hair part-time while his father drove forklifts and tended bar.
The family’s Italian heritage connected back to Turin and Aquilonia in Italy. Young Joe grew up in Belleville, New Jersey, surrounded by working-class culture. By age five, he was already performing in New York stage plays.
At just ten years old, Pesci became a regular on the TV variety show “Startime Kids” alongside future star Connie Francis. This early exposure taught him timing and performance skills. He graduated from Belleville High School but entertainment remained his focus.
Struggling Performer Years
The 1960s brought Pesci closer to music than acting success. He worked as a barber while playing guitar with Joey Dee and the Starliters, the band famous for “Peppermint Twist.” In 1968, he recorded an album called “Little Joe Sure Can Sing!” under the stage name Joe Ritchie, but it flopped.
Pesci played an unexpected role in music history that few people know about. In 1958, he introduced Bob Gaudio to Tommy DeVito and Frankie Valli, directly forming The Four Seasons. When DeVito fell on hard times decades later, Pesci put him on payroll and gave him film cameos.
From 1970 to 1976, Pesci partnered with Frank Vincent as the comedy duo “Vincent and Pesci.” They combined Abbott and Costello double-act routines with Don Rickles-style insult comedy. Their 1975 Broadway show “The New Vaudevillians” closed after just one week.
By 1976, Pesci was living above Amici’s Restaurant in the Bronx, working as an employee. His appearance in the low-budget film “The Death Collector” seemed like another dead end. At 33, his acting dreams looked finished.
Breakthrough and Stardom
Everything changed in 1979 when Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro tracked Pesci down after watching “The Death Collector.” They offered him the role of Joey LaMotta in “Raging Bull.” Pesci was 36 years old—ancient by Hollywood standards.
His performance earned him a BAFTA Award for Newcomer to Leading Film Roles and an Academy Award nomination. When asked about shooting in black and white, Pesci recalled: “I remember being asked do you think we should shoot in black and white or in color. And I said black and white without any hesitation.” This visual choice helped define the film’s aesthetic.
During filming, Pesci broke a rib during a sparring scene with De Niro. The actual moment appears in the final film as a quick cut. Despite critical acclaim, the 1980s brought him relatively minor films like “Easy Money” and “Eureka.”
Iconic Film Performances
Pesci’s portrayal of Tommy DeVito in “Goodfellas” (1990) became one of cinema’s most influential performances. The character—based on real-life mobster Thomas DeSimone—was psychotic and absolutely terrifying. His Oscar-winning turn defined how audiences see movie gangsters.
The film’s most famous scene—“Funny how? Do I amuse you?”—came from Pesci’s real experience as a waiter. He told a mobster he was “funny” and received a threatening response. Scorsese encouraged improvisation during rehearsals and incorporated the best moments into the script.
Pesci’s Oscar acceptance speech became legendary for its brevity. He simply said: “It’s my privilege. Thank you,” and left the stage. This six-word speech remains the second-shortest in Academy Awards history.
In “Casino” (1995), Pesci played Nicky Santoro, based on mob enforcer Anthony Spilotro. He broke the same rib again that was injured during “Raging Bull” 15 years earlier. The physical commitment showed his dedication even at age 52.
“The Irishman” (2019) brought Pesci back after Scorsese asked him fifty times to appear. He initially refused, wanting to avoid another gangster role. His quiet performance as Russell Bufalino earned him a third Oscar nomination at age 76.
Musical Career Pursuits
Pesci’s music career ran parallel to his acting work throughout his life. His 1968 debut album as Joe Ritchie failed commercially. Playing guitar with various bands in the 1960s taught him timing that later helped his comedic performances.
In 1998, Pesci released “Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You,” named after his “My Cousin Vinny” character. The album mixed big band jazz with humor and spawned the single “Wise Guy.” The album found surprising success in European markets.
After 21 years, Pesci released “Pesci… Still Singing” in November 2019, coinciding with “The Irishman” release. He also recorded “Falling in Love Again” with jazz organist Joey DeFrancesco as “Joe Doggs” in 2003. In 2017, he contributed to Jimmy Scott’s posthumous album.
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Retirement and Return
In 1999, at age 56, Pesci announced his retirement from acting. He wanted to pursue music and enjoy life away from cameras. For nearly a decade, he stepped back from Hollywood except for a brief cameo in De Niro’s 2006 film “The Good Shepherd.”
In 2011, Pesci sued Fiore Films for $3 million over the “Gotti” film role. He claimed they promised him the part after he gained 30 pounds for it. The lawsuit settled out of court in 2013.
Pesci’s return in “The Irishman” proved his talent remained sharp. About working with Scorsese, he explained: “Marty is probably the best director I’ve ever worked with and one of the best directors of our generation and previous generations.” This mutual respect allowed room for improvisation.
Collaborations and Partnerships
Pesci and Robert De Niro appeared in seven films together, creating one of cinema’s great partnerships. Their chemistry developed from shared New Jersey backgrounds and decades of friendship. Pesci described their connection: “We work so well together. It’s like breathing in and out. It’s so easy for us—we feed off each other.”
Martin Scorsese directed Pesci in four films spanning 39 years. All three Oscar nominations came from Scorsese films—“Raging Bull,” “Goodfellas,” and “The Irishman.” Their collaboration represents one of cinema’s greatest director-actor relationships.
Chris Columbus cast Pesci in “Home Alone” because he was “one of his heroes.” Columbus placed a “Curse Jar” on set for adults who swore. According to reports, Pesci filled it in a single day, leading to his famous “cartoon cursing” technique.
Pesci maintained close friendships with comedians like George Carlin and worked alongside Don Rickles in “Casino.” His childhood friendship with Robert Bisaccia, who became a Mafia figure, likely informed his authentic mob portrayals. These real connections gave his performances credibility.
Awards and Recognition
Pesci earned three Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor across four decades. He won for “Goodfellas” in 1990 after being nominated for “Raging Bull” in 1980, according to his IMDb profile. His third nomination came for “The Irishman” in 2019.
His BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer came for “Raging Bull” at age 37. He received three Golden Globe nominations and two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. He also earned a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Supporting Actor in “Lethal Weapon 4.”
Three Pesci films were selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. “Raging Bull,” “Goodfellas,” and “Home Alone” were deemed culturally significant. Premiere Magazine ranked his Tommy DeVito performance #96 on their “100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time” list.
Personal Life
Pesci married three times but kept his personal life remarkably private. His first marriage occurred in January 1964 when he was 21, producing a daughter born around 1967. His second marriage to model Claudia Haro lasted from 1988 to 1992, producing daughter Tiffany Pesci.
From 2000 to 2008, Pesci dated model Angie Everhart. They became engaged in 2007 but separated after eight years together. He also dated Leighanne Littrell from 1995 to 1997, before she married Backstreet Boys member Brian Littrell.
Pesci owns a house in Lavallette, New Jersey, where he earned a reputation in the 1980s as a dedicated Little League baseball coach. His physical characteristics include heterochromia (different-colored eyes), a high-pitched voice, and his distinctive New Jersey accent. He currently maintains a low profile at age 82.
Legacy and Impact
Joe Pesci’s career defies conventional Hollywood narratives about success and timing. He achieved breakthrough at 36, retired at 56, and earned an Oscar nomination at 76. His performances influenced generations of actors attempting tough-guy roles.
His Tommy DeVito performance spawned countless parodies in pop culture. Animaniacs created the character “Pesto” in their “Goodfeathers” sketches. Saturday Night Live featured Jim Breuer’s recurring “Joe Pesci Show” sketches where the real Pesci later appeared.
Film critic Roger Ebert noted that Pesci “made shortness seem dangerous.” At 5’4¼”, he brought menace that taller actors couldn’t match. His rapid-fire delivery created a unique rhythm that other actors studied but couldn’t replicate.
Pesci served as producer of the multi-Tony-winning stage musical “Jersey Boys” about The Four Seasons. His real-life role in forming the band was portrayed in the original Broadway production. Recent work includes Pete Davidson’s series “Bupkis” (2023) and Jack Huston’s directorial debut “Day of the Fight” (2023).
Conclusion
Joe Pesci transformed American cinema by bringing authentic Italian-American working-class culture to both dramatic and comedic roles. His late breakthrough proves that talent matters more than youth in Hollywood. From terrifying mobsters to bumbling burglars, his range remains unmatched.
His collaboration with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro created some of cinema’s most memorable moments. Three National Film Registry selections and an Academy Award cement his place in film history. At 82, his legacy continues inspiring actors who study his unique combination of menace and humanity.
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FAQ About Joe Pesci
What is Joe Pesci’s net worth in 2025?
According to Celebrity Net Worth Joe Pesci’s estimated net worth stands at $50 million as of 2024-2025.
How tall is Joe Pesci?
Joe Pesci stands 5 feet 4¼ inches (1.63 meters) tall.
Is Joe Pesci married?
No, Joe Pesci is not currently married but was previously married to Claudia Haro from 1988 to 1992.
How old is Joe Pesci?
Born February 9, 1943, Joe Pesci is currently 82 years old as of November 2025.
What is Joe Pesci’s most famous role?
Tommy DeVito in “Goodfellas” (1990) remains his most iconic role, earning him an Academy Award.
Did Joe Pesci really perform his own stunts in Home Alone?
Yes, Pesci performed the dangerous hat-on-fire stunt himself in “Home Alone 2.”
Why did Joe Pesci retire from acting?
In 1999, Pesci retired at age 56 to pursue music and enjoy life away from cameras.
Does Joe Pesci have children?
Yes, Joe Pesci has two daughters including Tiffany Pesci from his marriage to Claudia Haro.
Hello, I’m Serena Flores, a passionate writer with over 4 years of experience in lifestyle, biography, and internet culture content. I specialize in creating engaging, easy-to-read articles that simplify modern trends, slang, and real-life stories for every reader. My goal is to make complex topics relatable, offering well-researched insights and fresh perspectives that keep readers informed, inspired, and connected.