'The Irishman' star Sebastian Maniscalco talks about working with biggies and how Scorsese mistook his wig for hair
Sebastian Maniscalco, a stand-up comedian, and actor began performing professionally at The Comedy Store in 2005. He has released five comedy specials and has portrayed roles in 'Green Book' (2018) and 'The Irishman' (2019). Maniscalco plays the role of 'Crazy' Joe Gallo in 'The Irishman' alongside Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.
Speaking to MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) from the red carpet of the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards, Maniscalco shares his experience of working with De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, on-set moments with Pacino, and wanting to continue stand-up comedy.
On being able to work with iconic legends like De Niro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino and Martin Scorsese, Maniscalco said, "Guys I grew up watching and next thing you know, I'm in a movie with them has been quite surreal for me."
He went on to share a hilarious moment with Scorsese on set. "I met him and he wanted to check out the wig I was wearing. I went in there and we talked for 25 minutes and I came out. The wig people were like, 'what did he say about the wig?' I think he thought it was my own hair. We didn't even talk about the wig," laughed Maniscalco.
After being able to work with such big names and speaking only "when spoken to" on set, Maniscalco shared his inspiration of career development and filmmakers he'd like to work with in the future. "For me, it's just given me the confidence that I think I need to go onto the next project, whatever that might be. I mean if you'd asked me like, I would like to work with Steven Spielberg if he had a project just because, again, grew up on 'ET'and all of his great movies. I just really enjoy doing stand up comedy right now."
Having recently been part of a sold-out show at The Forum, Maniscalco expressed how grateful he was. "It was unbelievable. I moved out here 22 years ago and never thought I'd sell out an arena in Los Angeles, but, it was pretty amazing. My wife was there, my father and my mother and my sister, Leonardo DiCaprio came, and Kevin Hart was there last night. So to have guys like that come out and see what you're doing is pretty flattering."