Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci, the comedic villains of the beloved holiday classic Home Alone, maintain a strong friendship decades after the film’s release. Stern, in a recent interview, revealed that he and Pesci, despite their on-screen rivalry, remain close in real life.
Stern, 67, shared that he sees Pesci, 81, approximately once a year. “I see him once a year,” Stern stated, emphasizing the enduring bond between the two actors. “I love seeing Joe. [He’s a] dear friend,” he continued, highlighting the genuine affection he holds for his former co-star. Pesci, who played the memorable criminal Harry alongside Stern’s Marv in both Home Alone (1990) and its sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), has largely retreated from the public eye.
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Their friendship, however, predates their Home Alone fame. According to Stern, they first crossed paths in 1982 on the set of a drama film titled I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can. “We did a really bad movie together called I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can, where we played mental institution [patients],” Stern recounted. While both their roles were ultimately cut from the film, the experience forged a connection that has lasted for decades.
Beyond acting, Stern revealed a lesser-known side of Pesci: his passion for music. Stern enthusiastically described Pesci as a “brilliant jazz singer” with a “beautiful tenor voice.” He urged those curious about the true essence of Joe Pesci to listen to his music. “He is the most brilliant jazz singer,” Stern emphasized. “He’s got this beautiful tenor voice. I mean, he makes me weep when he sings these kinds of [Sinatra songs].”
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Currently, Stern resides on a California ranch, a purchase made possible by his Hollywood earnings. He dedicates his time to cultivating tangerines and pursuing artistic endeavors that he describes as an “extension of the human condition.” This lifestyle choice, Stern observes, mirrors Pesci’s preference for a life away from the spotlight. “I mean, he’s a reclusive soul himself,” Stern remarked about Pesci. “He lives back in Jersey half the time.” The two actors, though choosing quieter lives, maintain a bond formed through shared experiences and mutual respect. Their enduring friendship, spanning decades and transcending the highs and lows of Hollywood, stands as a testament to the genuine connections forged amidst the often-turbulent world of entertainment.
