After a 30-year absence from television, Joe Pesci has made a long-awaited return to the small screen in Pete Davidson's Bupkis. Throughout his illustrious acting career spanning over 5 decades, Pesci has expertly portrayed a diverse range of unforgettable characters in various film genres. From his notable performance as Jake LaMotta's younger brother in Martin Scorsese's sporting classic Raging Bull, to his captivating portrayal of Italian-American mobster Russell Bufalino in The Irishman, Pesci has consistently delivered on the big screen. However, when it comes to his small-screen endeavors, Pesci has been more discerning, particularly in recent years.
Making his television debut in the comedy-drama series Half Nelson, Pesci portrayed the central character Rocky Nelson. Following this, he made a cameo appearance in one episode of Tales from the Crypt, seemingly concluding his television career. Although he has made two appearances on Saturday Night Live since then, Pesci has largely refrained from participating in television shows. Given his television history, it is indeed surprising that Joe Pesci has now taken on a significant role in a TV series.
Joe Pesci's First Major TV Role In 3 Decades Is In Pete Davidson's Bupkis
Joe Pesci's role as Joe LaRocca in Pete Davidson's Bupkis marks his first major TV role in 3 decades, since his last appearance on a television show in 1992's episode of Tales from the Crypt. Throughout his career, Joe Pesci has been highly selective about his acting roles, resulting in a portfolio brimming with unforgettable characters and award-winning performances. Even for The Irishman, Pesci was initially offered his role a staggering 50 times before being convinced by Robert De Niro that the Martin Scorsese film would set itself apart from other gangster movies (via DGA's Apple podcast).
Why Joe Pesci Hasn't Done TV Shows For So Long
During an interview on the REAL ONES With Jon Bernthal podcast, Jon Bernthal and Pete Davidson discussed the experience of having Joe Pesci as a guest on Davidson's show. Davidson expressed his gratitude, revealing that Pesci not only enjoyed the material but also agreed to be a part of it out of genuine affection. The two instantly formed a connection after engaging in an enjoyable conversation about the series. Davidson emphasized the significance of Pesci's approval, as it greatly boosted his confidence during a time when he felt insecure.
Joe Pesci took a break from TV shows after announcing his retirement from acting in 1999. His focus shifted to his music career, making only a few appearances in movies such as Good Shepherd, Love Ranch, and The Irishman. Despite not having a strong motivation to join any television productions, Pete Davidson's proposal for Bupkis and his determination to have Joe Pesci play Joe LaRocca persuaded the seasoned actor to return to the small screen. According to Davidson, Pesci's impressive acting accomplishments make it unnecessary for him to continue working in any capacity.
