Joe Pesci’s Post-Accent Career: What He’s Doing Now

Actor Joe Pesci, renowned for his explosive performances in movies such as My Cousin Vinny and Goodfellas, announced his retirement from acting in 1999. However, his career did not end there. Despite stepping away from the spotlight to focus on his music career, Pesci continues to make occasional appearances in films and television, most notably starring alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in The Irishman (2019).

Retirement and Music Career

In 1999, Pesci surprised the entertainment world by retiring from acting to pursue his passion for music. His decision was made to allow him to channel his energies towards his jazz performances, a move that allowed him to reinvent himself as an artist outside of the traditional film industry. After his retirement announcement, Pesci dedicated himself to live performances and studio recordings.

Post-Retirement Activities

Even after retiring from acting, Pesci did not disappear entirely from the entertainment scene. He continued to make occasional appearances in documentaries and television specials. In 2011, Pesci was involved in a legal dispute with Fiore Films over his portrayal in the film Gotti. In 2013, the case was settled out of court, with details of the settlement remaining undisclosed. This legal dispute added a complex layer to his career, showcasing the ongoing controversies and lifelong influence of his performances.

Financial Independence and Social Security

While Pesci's acting career brought in significant financial gains, he has managed to secure a stable retirement. Pesci relies on his Social Security benefits and the income from his successful investments. Additionally, he benefits from residuals from his movies, which can provide a steady financial stream if he had a back-end deal with his production companies.

Active Participation in The Irishman

Most recently, Joe Pesci re-entered the acting world and was seen in The Irishman, the 2019 film by Martin Scorsese. In this critically acclaimed movie, Pesci stars alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, continuing his legacy in the film industry. This role demonstrates that, even in retirement, actors like Pesci can still find new opportunities that allow them to stay relevant and engaged.

Conclusion

Although Joe Pesci officially retired from acting in 1999, his influence and contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be felt. His decision to focus on a music career and pursue live performances has allowed him to maintain a high level of independence and creativity. Pesci’s career trajectory serves as an inspiration for actors and musicians alike, showing that success in one field can sometimes lead to new opportunities and experiences in another.