Before Hollywood, Joe Pesci Worked as Frankie Valli’s Barber

Frankie Valli’s former barber was future Oscar-winning actor Joe Pesci, according to the singer’s brother, Bobby Valli.

Speaking on the Nostalgia Tonight With Joe Sibilia podcast, Bobby said Pesci worked at Branch Barbers on Franklin Street in New Jersey before becoming an actor. He said both he and Frankie got their hair cut by Pesci, who was also training as a barber at the time.

Bobby described Pesci as a memorable personality and recalled that he performed in a music group with longtime friend Frank Vincent before the two found success in acting.

Pesci later starred in Martin Scorsese’s Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and Casino, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Goodfellas. Vincent also appeared in those films and later played Phil Leotardo in The Sopranos.

Bobby added that Pesci paid for Vincent’s funeral after his death in 2017, saying the actor “never forgot the neighborhood.” Scorsese also praised Vincent at the time, calling him a gifted, hardworking actor and a natural performer.