Joe Rogan Experience #1237 - Sebastian Maniscalco

Working with Legends

Sebastian Maniscalco shares his awe-inspiring experience working with legendary figures like Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Martin Scorsese on the set of "The Irishman." He describes the initial intimidation of acting alongside such icons, but soon realized his place among them after the first scene. "There was a sense of doubt like, you know, sometimes, like, should I be here?" he admits, but the supportive environment helped him overcome his nerves 1. The transformation of Gotham Comedy Club into the Copacabana for the film was a surreal moment for Sebastian, especially seeing Jim Norton embody Don Rickles 2.

   

Preparation Challenges

Preparation for his role in "The Irishman" was a daunting task for Sebastian, who struggled with sleepless nights leading up to his scenes with De Niro and Pesci. The emotional and mental pressure was immense, yet he found solace in the familiar setting of Gotham Comedy Club, which was transformed for the film 2. "I ain't talking to nobody," he recalls telling himself, focusing on his performance amidst the high expectations 3.

   

Stunt Experiences

Sebastian's venture into stunt work on "The Irishman" added another layer to his acting journey. He recounts a moment when Scorsese casually mentioned a scene involving him going through a window, which was initially daunting. "I wasn't gonna say, I don't do windows," he jokes, highlighting his willingness to embrace the challenges of the role 4. The experience was thrilling, marking a significant milestone in his career.