Joe Pesci’s Best Roles

Joe Pesci is an actor of singular intensity who has built an unforgettable career playing characters that vibrate with energy. He is a master of portraying the tough guy with a short fuse whose calm exterior can explode into rage at a moment’s notice. His frequent collaborations with director Martin Scorsese produced some of the most iconic gangster portrayals in cinema history cementing his reputation as a powerhouse performer.

Despite his compact stature Pesci commands the screen with a presence that is larger than life. While best known for his intimidating and often violent roles he has also proven to be a gifted comedic actor. He can pivot from terrifying to hilarious with incredible ease showcasing a remarkable range that has made him one of the most unique and respected actors of his generation.

‘The Public Eye’ (1992)

In this film Joe Pesci stars as Leon “Bernzy” Bernstein a freelance crime scene photographer in 1940s New York City. His character is obsessed with capturing the raw truth of the city’s underbelly often arriving at crime scenes before the police. The story follows him as he becomes entangled with a nightclub owner and finds himself in the middle of a mob war.

This movie gave Pesci a rare opportunity to play the lead role in a serious drama. His character is a quiet and lonely artist a stark contrast to the loud and aggressive figures he often portrayed. The performance is subtle and introspective showing a more vulnerable side of his acting abilities as he navigates a world of glamour and danger.

‘Lethal Weapon 4’ (1998)

Pesci returns for his final appearance as the fast talking Leo Getz. In this sequel his character is now a private investigator and remains a close if often annoying friend to the main heroes. He gets swept up in their investigation into a dangerous Chinese smuggling ring and provides his usual brand of comic relief and frantic energy.

His character’s journey throughout the series comes to a satisfying conclusion as he proves his loyalty and friendship. While still serving as the primary source of humor his role is more integrated into the group dynamic. He ends the film by sharing a heartfelt story with his friends showing a moment of genuine connection.

‘The Good Shepherd’ (2006)

He plays Joseph Palmi a powerful mafia figure who is connected to the world of international espionage. His character is approached by a high ranking CIA officer who seeks his help in certain covert operations. The role is small but pivotal demonstrating the complex and often murky alliances between government agencies and organized crime.

This film marked Pesci’s return to acting after a period of semi-retirement. His performance is notable for its quiet and understated menace. He portrays Palmi as a shrewd and calculating businessman a different kind of mob boss who relies on intelligence rather than brute force.

‘Lethal Weapon 3’ (1992)

In his second outing as Leo Getz Pesci’s character has left the world of money laundering behind and is now working as a real estate agent. He is trying to sell one of the main character’s houses when he once again becomes entangled in a dangerous police investigation. He claims to have connections that can help them track down a corrupt ex-cop.

His role in this installment continues to provide comic relief amidst the high stakes action. The character’s constant talking and his knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time create many of the film’s funniest moments. He solidifies his place as a memorable part of the popular action franchise.

‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ (1992)

He reprises his role as the bumbling burglar Harry Lyme in this holiday sequel. After escaping from prison he and his partner travel to New York City to rob a massive toy store on Christmas Eve. Their plans go awry when they discover that their old nemesis Kevin McCallister is also in the city and staying at a luxurious hotel.

This film places his character in a new environment but with the same comedic results. Harry is once again subjected to a series of elaborate and painful traps as he tries to catch the clever kid. The performance perfectly recaptures the mix of frustration and slapstick comedy that made the original so popular.

‘Lethal Weapon 2’ (1989)

Pesci joined the action series as Leo Getz an obnoxious federal witness who needs protection. The two hero cops are assigned to babysit him a task they find incredibly annoying due to his constant talking and irritating habits. He soon reveals that he has been laundering money for the same dangerous criminals the cops are investigating.

The character was a breakout success and became an integral part of the franchise. Pesci’s high energy comedic performance provided a perfect foil to the main characters’ more serious dynamic. His memorable catchphrases and frantic personality made Leo Getz an instant fan favorite.

‘My Cousin Vinny’ (1992)

In one of his most beloved roles he stars as Vincent LaGuardia Gambini a personal injury lawyer from Brooklyn with no trial experience. He travels to rural Alabama with his fiancée to defend his young cousin who has been wrongly accused of murder. He must navigate a completely unfamiliar culture and a by the book judge to prove his cousin’s innocence.

This film showcased Pesci’s incredible comedic timing and leading man charisma. His performance as the loud leather clad lawyer in a conservative southern town is the heart of the fish out of water comedy. He created an endearing and hilarious character that remains one of his most iconic roles.

‘Home Alone’ (1990)

He plays Harry Lyme one half of a bumbling criminal duo known as the “Wet Bandits”. He and his partner target a wealthy suburban neighborhood for a series of burglaries during the Christmas holiday. They think they have an easy score when they target a house where a young boy has been accidentally left behind by his family.

Pesci’s performance as the more intelligent but equally inept burglar is a masterclass in physical comedy. His growing frustration and comical suffering as he falls into one painful trap after another is hilarious. The role allowed him to show a completely different side of his talent proving he was just as skilled at slapstick as he was at drama.

‘A Bronx Tale’ (1993)

He appears in a small but crucial role as Carmine a powerful mafia figure. He is sitting in a bar when a group of young men enter and disrespect the establishment. His character confronts one of them in a tense scene that has serious consequences for the rest of the film’s characters.

Even with very limited screen time Pesci makes a significant impact. His cameo appearance lends an air of authenticity and danger to the world of the film. The role showcases his status as a legendary figure in the gangster movie genre able to create a memorable moment with just a few lines of dialogue.

‘The Irishman’ (2019)

In his celebrated return from retirement he plays Russell Bufalino the quiet and powerful head of the Bufalino crime family. The character is a man of few words who exudes authority and commands respect through his calm and watchful demeanor. He becomes a mentor and close friend to a hitman guiding his career over several decades.

This performance earned him an Academy Award nomination and was praised as a stunning career comeback. Pesci played against type portraying a mob boss whose power came from stillness and subtlety rather than explosive rage. His quiet and deeply felt performance provided the film with its emotional core.

‘JFK’ (1991)

Pesci portrays David Ferrie a key and eccentric figure in the investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. His character is a pilot and alleged associate of Lee Harvey Oswald who is brought in for questioning by a New Orleans district attorney. He delivers a frantic and paranoid performance as a man caught in a massive conspiracy.

He underwent a physical transformation for the role which included wearing prosthetics and a distinctive wig. His high energy and nervous portrayal added to the film’s tense and conspiratorial atmosphere. He created a memorable and unsettling character who is a crucial part of the complex historical puzzle.

‘Raging Bull’ (1980)

In his breakout dramatic role he plays Joey LaMotta the younger brother and manager of middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta. His character is the loyal and protective voice of reason who struggles to manage his brother’s volatile temper and self destructive behavior. The complex relationship between the two brothers is a central focus of the film.

This performance established him as a major acting talent and earned him his first Academy Award nomination. His on screen chemistry with his co star was incredibly powerful creating a believable and ultimately tragic brotherly bond. The role began his long and successful collaboration with director Martin Scorsese.

‘Casino’ (1995)

He plays Nicky Santoro a childhood friend of a casino executive who is also a ruthless mob enforcer. Sent to Las Vegas to protect the casino’s operation his character’s violent temper and unchecked ambition quickly spiral out of control. He engages in a series of reckless and brutal crimes that threaten to bring the entire empire crashing down.

Pesci delivered another iconic gangster performance creating a character who is both charismatic and terrifyingly unhinged. He portrays Nicky’s descent into greed and violence with frightening intensity. The role is a showcase for his ability to play characters who are dangerously unpredictable.

‘Once Upon a Time in America’ (1984)

In this epic crime saga he plays Frankie Minaldi a gangster who operates during the Prohibition era. His character is a key member of a gang of Jewish friends from a New York slum whose story is told over the course of several decades. The film chronicles their rise in the world of organized crime and the betrayals that eventually tear them apart.

Pesci’s role is an important part of the film’s sprawling narrative about friendship loyalty and the passage of time. He fit seamlessly into the large ensemble cast contributing to the rich and detailed portrait of the criminal underworld. The performance demonstrated his ability to excel in grand historical dramas.

‘Goodfellas’ (1990)

He delivers his most legendary performance as Tommy DeVito a high-ranking associate of a crime family. His character is a psychopath with a hair-trigger temper who can be joking one moment and murderously violent the next. He is a completely unpredictable force of nature whose actions have devastating consequences for everyone around him.

This role earned Pesci an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of the funny and terrifying mobster is considered one of the greatest in cinema history. He created an electrifying and unforgettable character that has become the benchmark for cinematic gangsters.

What’s your all-time favorite Joe Pesci character?