Joe Pesci, born on February 9, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey, is an American actor renowned for his dynamic performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. Throughout his illustrious career, Pesci has amassed significant wealth, with Joe Pesci Net Worth estimated to be around $50 million.
This substantial fortune is a testament to his versatility and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Joseph Frank Pesci grew up in a blue-collar family in Newark. From a young age, he exhibited a passion for the performing arts, taking classes in acting, dancing, and music. By the age of five, he was already performing on stage, and at ten, he became a regular on the television variety show “Startime Kids.”
In his twenties, Pesci pursued a music career, singing in nightclubs and playing guitar for the pop band Joey Dee and the Starliters. He even recorded an album in 1968 under the name Joe Ritchie, titled “Little Joe Sure Can Sing!”
Breakthrough in Acting
Pesci’s initial foray into film was in the low-budget crime movie “The Death Collector” (1976). Although the film did not gain widespread attention, it caught the eye of actor Robert De Niro, who recommended Pesci to director Martin Scorsese. This led to Pesci’s casting as Joey LaMotta, the brother of boxer Jake LaMotta, in the critically acclaimed film “Raging Bull” (1980). His performance earned him nominations for both the Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with Scorsese and De Niro.
Notable Film Roles
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Pesci showcased his range as an actor with roles in various genres:
- “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984): Pesci portrayed a mobster in this epic crime drama directed by Sergio Leone.
- “Lethal Weapon” Series (1989, 1992, 1998): He played Leo Getz, a comically annoying government witness, adding a humorous dimension to the action-packed series.
- “Goodfellas” (1990): His portrayal of the volatile Tommy DeVito earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
- “Home Alone” (1990) and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992): Pesci took on the role of Harry, one half of the bumbling “Wet Bandits,” showcasing his comedic talent.
- “My Cousin Vinny” (1992): He starred as Vincent Gambini, a brash lawyer from Brooklyn, in this beloved comedy.
- “Casino” (1995): Reuniting with Scorsese and De Niro, Pesci played Nicky Santoro, a character based on real-life mob enforcer Anthony Spilotro.
Career Earnings and Joe Pesci Net Worth
Pesci’s net worth of approximately $50 million has been accumulated through a combination of film salaries, music ventures, and real estate investments.
Some of his notable earnings include:
- “Lethal Weapon 4” (1998): $3 million
- “Jimmy Hollywood” (1994): $3.5 million
These figures highlight his status as a sought-after actor during his peak years.
Personal Life
Pesci has been married and divorced three times. He has a daughter named Tiffany from his first marriage. His third marriage was to actress Claudia Haro from 1988 to 1992. In 2007, he became engaged to model Angie Everhart, but they ended their relationship nine months later.
Recent Work and Legacy
After a period of semi-retirement, Pesci returned to the screen in Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman” (2019), earning critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In 2023, he took on a main role in the Peacock series “Bupkis,” which is loosely based on the life of its star, Pete Davidson.
Conclusion
Joe Pesci’s enduring career in the entertainment industry has not only cemented his legacy as a versatile actor but also contributed to his substantial net worth. From his early beginnings in music and television to his iconic film roles, Pesci’s talent and dedication have left an indelible mark on Hollywood.
FAQs
What is Joe Pesci’s net worth?
Joe Pesci’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.
How did Joe Pesci start his career?
Pesci began his career as a child actor, performing on stage and television. He later pursued music, singing in nightclubs and playing guitar for Joey Dee and the Starliters. His breakthrough in acting came with the film “Raging Bull” (1980).
Has Joe Pesci won any awards?
Yes, Pesci won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Goodfellas” (1990). He has also received nominations for his performances in “Raging Bull” and “The Irishman.”
Is Joe Pesci still acting?
After a period of semi-retirement, Pesci returned to acting with roles in “The Irishman” (
