**John Turturro** (Brooklyn, New York, 1957) is an American actor and director of Italian descent, renowned for his versatile film career and intense performances.

A frequent collaborator of Spike Lee, he has brought complex and restless characters to life, such as Pino in *Do the Right Thing*. However, it is with the Coen brothers that he has shaped some of his most iconic roles: from the tormented intellectual Barton Fink in *Barton Fink* (awarded at Cannes) to the memorable Jesus Quintana in *The Big Lebowski* and Pete in *O Brother, Where Art Thou?*.

His acting style is characterized by profound intensity, a neurotic streak, and the ability to embody eccentric, vulnerable, or edgy characters, demonstrating great versatility. He has also directed several films, including *Mac*.