'Goodfellas' Joe Pesci Lives Privately — He Sold $6,5M Home Years after Affair with a 27-Years-Younger Woman

After starring in critically acclaimed projects, Joe Pesci became a familiar face in American films. However, the actor chose to step away from the spotlight and live quietly in private.

Joe Pesci was among the most sought-after stars in his prime, but his life in the spotlight became a thing of the past as the actor would now rather live privately.

He was a prominent Hollywood icon, in part, due to his father's persistence and sacrifices to enhance his acting skills. Joe's dad, Angelo Pesci, worked three jobs to enroll him in an acting school.

By the time Joe was five, he was already partaking in New York plays, and by ten, he became a regular cast member of the television series "Startime Kids." However, Joe did not agree with all of his father's decisions to plan his career for him. The actor said:

"My father loved me so much that he did not want me to be a laborer or anything. I don't know if it's the right thing to do – push your kids into something and then stey on them until they do it."

If he had his way, Joe would have chosen a different path. However, acting seemed to be the right career that led him to success.

JOE HAD A COLORFUL CAREER IN THE FILM AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY

Joe's big break came in 1976, at 36 years old, while he was at his restaurant. Hollywood legends Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese walked in and offered him a role in "Raging Bull."

In 1989, Joe was further recognized for his critically acclaimed performance in "Lethal Weapon 2," alongside Danny Glover and Mel Gibson. The following year, he starred in yet another notable film, "Goodfellas."

Despite his success and popularity, Joe remained humble. During his Academy Award win, Joe gave a short speech as he did not expect to take home the gold. "It becomes a contest of favorites, a popularity contest, and frankly, I did not think I was that popular," he said.

JOE WAS MARRIED THREE TIMES AND HAD ONE DAUGHTER

As a big name in the industry, all prying eyes were on Joe, which made privacy a difficult thing to attain. However, he preferred to keep his personal life private, especially his love life.

On one occasion, during the shoot for "My Cousin Vinny," Joe was caught whispering "I love you" into the phone. Thinking on his feet, the actor denied that he was talking to his wife and instead said:

"That was my mother. I try to call her and get her to do things with me, but our lives are so spread out."

Despite being the center of attention, Joe found a way to keep mum about his life behind the scenes. "The Irishman" star was married three times and had a daughter, Tiffany, yet not much is known about his relationships as he is adamant not to talk about that aspect of his life.

One of his rather known marriages was to fellow actress Claudia Haro, which lasted only a few years. He later dated model Angie Everheart, 27 years his junior and several inches taller. The couple became engaged but eventually separated after nine months.

THE END OF JOE'S CAREER

Joe announced his retirement in 1999 and only accepted special projects, including a cameo in "The Good Shepherd." He also appeared in the documentary "I Go Back Home: Jimmy Scott."

Aside from on-screen glimpses, Joe did not step back into the spotlight and maintained a low profile. Although he still keeps in touch with De Niro, Joe doesn't even watch many films anymore. However, he may have some ideas that he likes to keep to himself.

The actor enjoys making music with his guitar, playing golf, and spending time in his private stable, where he breeds racehorses. He said:

"I'm just dabbling in it, you know, because I love the business, and I love horses. Always did."

Although on the market for a hefty price, it seems that Joe is not open to offering discounts for his property.

In 2019, it was reported that the entertainer was interested in pursuing his other craft, music, more than anything else.

JOE SOLD HIS NEW JERSEY MANSION

While hiding from the public eye, Joe made his way back to the headlines when he sold his New Jersey mansion in Lavallette for $6.5 million. The home was previously listed in November 2019.

The actor's property stands on a 7,200 square foot area and has eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms. It also boasts of a media room, wet bar, and a pinball machine.

Although on the market for a hefty price, it seems that Joe is not open to offering discounts for his property. Having homes that cost millions of dollars is common amongst celebrities in America, including "Good Morning America's" Robin Roberts, who lives in a pristine $410 mansion.