Who is Joe Pesci: Career, Love Story, and Net Worth
Joe Pesci, born on February 9, 1943, is an Academy Award-winning actor, comedian, and musician best known for his unforgettable performances in films like Goodfellas, Home Alone, and My Cousin Vinny. Known for his intense and comedic roles, Pesci’s versatility has made him a Hollywood legend. Despite his success, Pesci has maintained a relatively low profile, especially regarding his personal life. In 2024, the now-retired actor enjoys his quiet life in New Jersey, with an estimated net worth of $50 million.
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| Joe Pesci, born on February 9, 1943, is an Academy Award-winning actor, comedian, and musician best known for his unforgettable performances in films like Goodfellas, Home Alone, and My Cousin Vinny. |
Career Highlights
1. Early Life and Beginnings
- Birth and Childhood: Pesci was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in a working-class Italian-American family. His father was a bartender, and his mother worked as a barber.
- Early Talent: Pesci began performing at a young age, appearing in plays and even working as a singer. In the 1960s, he recorded music under the stage name "Joe Ritchie."
2. Breakthrough in Acting
- Pesci’s acting career took off when he starred alongside Robert De Niro in Raging Bull (1980), directed by Martin Scorsese. His role as Joey LaMotta earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
3. Iconic Roles
Pesci is best known for his collaborations with Scorsese and De Niro, as well as his ability to play both comedic and intense characters:
- Goodfellas (1990): His portrayal of the violent yet charismatic Tommy DeVito won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
- Casino (1995): Pesci played Nicky Santoro, a mobster, in another Scorsese masterpiece.
- Home Alone (1990, 1992): Pesci played Harry Lyme, one of the bumbling burglars, showcasing his comedic chops.
- My Cousin Vinny (1992): His role as Vinny Gambini, a fast-talking lawyer, is considered one of the best comedic performances in film history.
4. Retirement and Comeback
- Pesci retired from acting in 1999 but occasionally returned for special projects.
- The Irishman (2019): He reunited with De Niro and Scorsese in this Netflix film, earning another Oscar nomination for his subdued and nuanced performance as mob boss Russell Bufalino.
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Love Life
Joe Pesci has had a private but intriguing love life, marked by high-profile relationships and his aversion to long-term commitments.
1. Marriages and Relationships
- First Marriage: Pesci’s first marriage ended in divorce in the 1960s, with little public information available about his first wife.
- Second Marriage: He married Claudia Haro, a model and actress, in 1988. The couple had a daughter together before divorcing in 1992. Haro later faced legal troubles, including being convicted in a murder-for-hire plot in 2005.
2. Relationship with Angie Everhart
- Pesci had a long-term relationship with supermodel Angie Everhart in the 2000s. The couple was even engaged but ultimately split in 2008, reportedly due to Pesci’s unwillingness to settle down.
3. Current Status
As of 2024, Pesci is believed to be single and living a quiet life in Lavallette, New Jersey. He values his privacy and rarely appears in public or discusses his personal relationships.
Net Worth and Financials
1. Salary and Earnings
- Pesci’s earnings stem from his roles in blockbuster films, music ventures, and real estate investments. At his peak, he reportedly earned millions for each major role.
2. Properties
- Pesci owns a lavish mansion in Lavallette, New Jersey, estimated to be worth $6.5 million.
- He also owned a home in Los Angeles, which he sold in the 2010s.
3. Estimated Net Worth
As of 2024, Pesci’s net worth is approximately $50 million, a testament to his successful career and careful financial planning.
Music Career
In addition to acting, Pesci has a passion for music:
- Albums: He released several albums, including Little Joe Sure Can Sing! (1968) and Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You (1998), showcasing his love for jazz and comedy-infused songs.
- Collaborations: Pesci has worked with notable artists, including Frank Vincent and Jimmy Scott.
FAQs
1. Is Joe Pesci still acting?
No, Pesci retired from acting, with The Irishman (2019) being one of his last major projects.
2. How many Oscars has Joe Pesci won?
He has won one Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Goodfellas (1990).
3. Does Joe Pesci have children?
Yes, he has one daughter from his marriage to Claudia Haro.
4. Where does Joe Pesci live?
Pesci lives in Lavallette, New Jersey, where he enjoys a quiet and private lifestyle.
5. Why did Joe Pesci retire?
Pesci stepped away from acting to enjoy a quieter life, citing his desire to focus on personal interests and avoid the demands of Hollywood.
6. What is Joe Pesci’s most famous role?
His role as Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas is widely regarded as his most iconic performance.
7. Did Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro work together often?
Yes, Pesci and De Niro collaborated on several films, including Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, and The Irishman.
8. Was Joe Pesci ever a musician?
Yes, he started as a singer and guitarist before transitioning to acting. He has also released several jazz albums.
9. How old is Joe Pesci in 2024?
Joe Pesci is 81 years old as of February 9, 2024.
10. Is Joe Pesci married now?
No, Pesci is not currently married.
| Joe Pesci’s life and career are a testament to his immense talent and unique personality. From his iconic roles in Hollywood to his quiet retirement, Pesci has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Now enjoying a peaceful life in New Jersey, Pesci remains an enigmatic figure whose work continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. |
