The film inspired by the comedian's relationship with his real-life Italian dad premieres on Thursday
Growing up in Chicago, Sebastian Maniscalco had four pencil-drawn portraits hanging on his wall: of Sylvester Stallone, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.Now, De Niro is playing Maniscalco’s dad in a feature film — “About My Father” — loosely based on the comedian’s relationship with his real father.
Recent projects for Maniscalco besides “About My Father include “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and Max series “How to Be a Bookie.” Salvo, and the Italian American experience, figured into his material; one of Maniscalco’s famous early bits involves his dad poisoning possums by spiking baloney with antifreeze, although that was actually something a friend’s father did. But Salvo’s hard-nosed wisdom and criticism of his son were relatable and hilarious — and Maniscalco says he even inherited some of his comic gifts from his father.
One of the most important acting lessons he’s discovered is simply “to make very strong choices,” Maniscalco says. “And whether or not those choices are good, at least you’re coming in there with a point of view.” There’s a climactic scene that takes place on a tarmac, and Maniscalco was supposed to come into it out of breath, then begin to cry. He was suffering severe pain from a persistent sciatica in his right leg, which was ablaze as he kept jogging around the tarmac to try to stick the landing.
Maniscalco originally moved to L.A. to pursue acting. After succeeding as a comedian instead, his film career is taking off.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘About My Father’ Review: Sebastian Maniscalco and Robert De Niro Team Up for a Superior ‘Meet the Parents’ ScenarioFollowing a handful of supporting roles in “Tag,” “Green Book” and “The Irishman,” Sebastian Maniscalco makes his first bid for leading-man status with “About My Father,” a family comedy sourced fr…
Read more »
Vacuous Comedy About My Father Explores White-On-White RacismSebastian Maniscalco's brand of nostalgic humor is overshadowed by his idiotic observations on ethnicity. Our About My Father review:
Read more »
Umbrella Academy Isn't The First Time Robert Sheehan Has Played Klaus HargreevesKlaus Hargreeves is 1 of the most interesting characters in The Umbrella Academy. But Robert Sheehan has played a shockingly similar role in the past.
Read more »
Robert De Niro and Jeff Bezos Hit Up the Prada Party in CannesRobert De Niro, fresh off his standing ovation, joined the the party along with other celebs like Storm Reid and Alexa Chung. Cannes
Read more »
Former University of Chicago president Robert Zimmer diesDuring his 15 years as president of the University of Chicago, Robert J. Zimmer was a forceful advocate for free expression on university campuses and helped to broaden the U. of C.’s offerings globally and locally.
Read more »
Seahawks waive UDFA nose tackle following Artie Burns signingRobert Cooper was let go on Tuesday.
Read more »