“GoodFellas” is one of the finest gangster movies ever made. Heck, Martin Scorsese’s brilliant biographical offering is one of the finest films ever made, period.
Based on Nicholas Pileggi’s 1985 nonfiction book “Wiseguy,” it chronicles the rise and fall of Mafia associate Henry Hill and his friends and family from 1955 to 1980. Hill testified against his former Mafia associates, which resulted in fifty convictions, and subsequently entered the Witness Protection Program.
It starred Ray Liotta as Hill, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci, along with a hugely talented supporting cast.
Released in the United States on September 18, 1990, “GoodFellas” is now over 35 years old. Wouldn’t it be good to take a look at its core cast members now, compared to how they looked back then? Let’s do exactly that…
Robert De Niro (James “Jimmy” Conway)
GettyThe legendary Robert De Niro played James “Jimmy” Conway in “GoodFellas.” Jimmy is an an Irish-American truck hijacker and gangster who functions as a mentor to Henry Hill.
Age when “GoodFellas” released: 46.
Selected movie credits before “GoodFellas”: Taxi Driver (1976), The Deer Hunter (1978), Raging Bull (1980).
GettyAge now: 82.
Selected movie credits after “GoodFellas”: Cape Fear (1991), Silver Linings Playbook (2012), Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Ray Liotta (Henry Hill)
GettyA relatively inexperienced Ray Liotta played Henry Hill in “GoodFellas.” Henry is the main character who rises through the ranks of the Mafia, before ultimate being forced into the the Witness Protection Program after testifying against his former associates.
Age when “GoodFellas” released: 36.
Selected movie credits before “GoodFellas”: Something Wild (1986), Dominick and Eugene (1988), Field of Dreams (1989).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2022 aged 67.
Selected movie credits after “GoodFellas”: Cop Land (1997), Hannibal (2001), Wild Hogs (2007).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Joe Pesci (Tommy DeVito)
GettyThe iconic Joe Pesci played Tommy DeVito in “GoodFellas.” Tommy is a former juvenile delinquent and the the volatile, explosive wildcard of his crew. Pesci won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance (see him above holding up his Oscar).
Age when “GoodFellas” released: 46.
Selected movie credits before “GoodFellas”: Raging Bull (1980), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Lethal Weapon 2 (1989).
Above is a social media post showing Pesci alongside his “Casino” co-star Melissa Prophet in 2024.
Age now: 82.
Selected movie credits after “GoodFellas”: Home Alone (1990), Casino (1995), The Irishman (2019).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Lorraine Bracco (Karen Hill)
Getty“The Sopranos” star Lorraine Bracco played Karen Hill in “GoodFellas.” Karen is the wife of Henry Hill who, while initially unsure of his involvement with the Mafia, is ultimately seduced by the glamorous lifestyle it brings. Bracco was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance, but lost out to Whoopi Goldberg for her performance in “Ghost.”
Age when “GoodFellas” released: 35.
Selected movie credits before “GoodFellas”: The Pick-up Artist (1987), Someone to Watch Over Me (1987), The Dream Team (1989).
GettyAge now: 71.
Selected movie credits after “GoodFellas”: The Basketball Diaries (1995), Hackers (1995), Riding in Cars with Boys (2001).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Paul Sorvino (Paulie Cicero)
The authoritative Paul Sorvino played Paulie Cicero in “GoodFellas.” Paulie is the wise, authoritative, no-nonsense, old-school boss of the crew.
Age when “GoodFellas” released: 51.
Selected movie credits before “GoodFellas”: That Championship Season (1982), The Stuff (1985), Dick Tracy (1990).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2022 aged 83.
Selected movie credits after “GoodFellas”: The Rocketeer (1991), Nixon (1995), Kill the Irishman (2011).
Filmography info per IMDb.
With such an incredible cast, there’s never a bad time to watch “GoodFellas.” It’s a timeless movie that will remain in “best ever” lists for as long as people are compiling them.
May Ray Liotta and Paul Sorvino rest in eternal peace.
