Joe Pesci

This weeks newsletter is sponsored by: Dairy Crazy™

Joe Pesci—a name that’s become synonymous with tough-guy roles, unforgettable characters in films like Goodfellas, Raging Bull, and Casino. But what most people don’t know is that before Joe Pesci was lighting up the silver screen, he was struggling to find his way in a world that didn’t seem to have a place for him. There’s a chapter in Joe Pesci’s story that reveals a persistence and passion that almost went unnoticed.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1943, Joseph Frank Pesci grew up in a working-class Italian-American family. As a young boy, Joe was captivated by the world of entertainment. He started performing in plays at just five years old, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already working as a singer and guitar player. You see, before he ever considered acting, Pesci was passionate about music. He even released an album in 1968 under the name 'Little Joe Sure Can Sing!' It was a collection of covers, including some Beatles hits, but despite his best efforts, the album didn’t make much of a splash.

Now, here’s where the story takes an interesting turn. After his music career failed to take off, Joe tried his hand at stand-up comedy. He spent years working the comedy club circuit, trying to make a name for himself, but success remained elusive. Frustrated and disheartened, Joe eventually decided that maybe show business wasn’t meant for him. He stepped away from the spotlight and took a job as a manager at an Italian restaurant in the Bronx, thinking perhaps this was where his story would end.

But fate had other plans. One day, while working at the restaurant, Joe got a call from his old friend, actor Frank Vincent. Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro were looking for someone to play the role of Joey LaMotta, Jake LaMotta’s brother, in their upcoming film Raging Bull. Vincent, who had already been cast, suggested Joe for the part. At first, Joe was hesitant. After all, he had all but given up on an acting career, but with some convincing, he decided to give it one last shot.

And what a shot it was. Joe’s performance in Raging Bull was nothing short of extraordinary. He brought a raw intensity and authenticity to the role that captivated audiences and critics alike. The film earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and suddenly, the man who had once been ready to walk away from the entertainment industry was a hot commodity in Hollywood.

But even after Raging Bull, Pesci’s rise to stardom wasn’t immediate. He returned to smaller roles and even considered quitting acting again, but his persistence paid off when he was cast in Goodfellas as the volatile Tommy DeVito. The role would become one of the most iconic in cinema history, earning Pesci an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Joe Pesci’s journey to fame wasn’t about being in the right place at the right time—it was about resilience, a willingness to keep going even when the world seemed to say 'no.' He nearly gave up on his dream, not once, but twice, only to have the dream come back to him when he least expected it.

So, the next time you watch Joe Pesci light up the screen with his unforgettable characters, remember that his path to success was anything but straightforward. It was a winding road filled with doubts and detours, but one that ultimately led to greatness.

And now you know what was Left OUT of the Story.

Thank you Dairy Crazy™ for sponsoring this post!