Joe Pesci (born in 1943) is an American actor known for his ability to portray intense characters, often short-tempered and on the edge.

His film career surged with the role of Joey LaMotta in Martin Scorsese's *Raging Bull* (1980), which earned him an Oscar nomination. However, it was with *Goodfellas* (1990), also directed by Scorsese, that he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his unforgettable portrayal of Tommy DeVito, a violent and unpredictable gangster. He cemented his reputation with other Scorsese collaborations, such as *Casino* (1995).

Pesci also demonstrated versatility with successful comedic roles, such as Harry in *Home Alone* (1990) and Leo Getz in the *Lethal Weapon* series. His distinctive style, characterized by explosive energy and an almost manic intensity, has made him an iconic face of modern cinema. In 2019, he returned to the big screen with *The Irishman*.