John Turturro

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17 Feb 2024

John Turturro

John Michael Turturro, born on February 28, 1957, is an American actor and filmmaker renowned for his diverse and complex roles in independent cinema. Over the course of his prolific career, he has appeared in more than sixty feature films and has established collaborative relationships with acclaimed directors such as the Coen brothers, Spike Lee, and Adam Sandler. Turturro's talent has earned him numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and nominations for multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards and Golden Globe Awards.
Turturro rose to prominence with his breakthrough performance in "Five Corners" (1987), showcasing his ability to inhabit complex characters with depth and nuance. He further solidified his reputation with memorable roles in Spike Lee's films, including "Do the Right Thing" (1989), "Mo Better Blues" (1990), "Jungle Fever" (1991), and "Clockers" (1995), demonstrating his versatility and range as an actor.
His collaborations with the Coen brothers have yielded some of his most iconic performances, including roles in "Miller's Crossing" (1990), "Barton Fink" (1991), "The Big Lebowski" (1998), and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (2000). Turturro's work in these films has garnered critical acclaim, earning him awards and nominations for his compelling portrayals of multifaceted characters.

In addition to his film work, Turturro has made significant contributions to television, earning praise for his role as Ambrose Monk in the USA Network series "Monk," for which he received a Primetime Emmy Award. He has also delivered notable performances in HBO's "The Night Of" (2016) and the Showtime series "The Plot Against America" (2020).
As a filmmaker, Turturro has directed several feature films, including "Mac" (1992), "Illuminata" (1998), "Romance and Cigarettes" (2005), "Fading Gigolo" (2013), and "The Jesus Rolls" (2020). His directorial ventures showcase his unique vision and storytelling sensibilities, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.
In recent years, Turturro continues to captivate audiences with his compelling performances, notably portraying Seymour Simmons in the "Transformers" film series and Carmine Falcone in "The Batman" (2022). He currently stars in the Apple TV+ series "Severance" (2022–present), receiving critical acclaim and earning award nominations for his role. Turturro's enduring presence in both film and television underscores his status as a versatile and esteemed actor in contemporary cinema.

John Turturro, born on February 28, 1957, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, New York, was the son of Katherine Florence (Incerella) and Nicholas Turturro. His upbringing was rooted in his Italian heritage, with his mother being born in the U.S. to Italian parents with Sicilian roots. She was an amateur jazz singer who had worked in a naval yard during World War II. Tragically, Turturro's maternal grandmother passed away from a botched home abortion when his mother was just six years old, leading to his mother's placement in an orphanage, as his grandfather was unable to care for the children alone. On the other hand, Turturro's father had immigrated from Giovinazzo, Italy, to the United States at the age of six. He later worked as a carpenter and construction worker before joining the U.S. Navy.
Growing up, Turturro was raised in the Roman Catholic faith and relocated with his family to the Rosedale section of Queens, New York, at the age of six. His passion for acting led him to pursue a major in theatre arts at the State University of New York at New Paltz, followed by the completion of his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree at the prestigious Yale School of Drama.

John Turturro's career has been marked by diverse roles in both independent and mainstream films. His journey in the entertainment industry began with a non-speaking extra role in Martin Scorsese's acclaimed "Raging Bull" in 1980. He gained recognition for his performance in "Five Corners" (1987), which caught the attention of director Spike Lee, leading to a fruitful collaboration on multiple projects, including "Do the Right Thing" (1989), "Mo' Better Blues" (1990), and others.
Turturro's versatility allowed him to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama, leading to collaborations with renowned directors like the Coen Brothers. He appeared in several Coen Brothers' films, such as "Miller's Crossing" (1990), "Barton Fink" (1991), "The Big Lebowski" (1998), and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (2000). Additionally, he worked with Adam Sandler on multiple occasions, including in "Mr. Deeds" (2002) and "You Don't Mess with the Zohan" (2008).

His talent extended beyond acting, as he ventured into directing and producing. Turturro directed films like "Illuminata" (1999) and "Romance and Cigarettes" (2005), showcasing his creative vision behind the camera. He also made notable appearances in television, winning an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Ambrose Monk in the series "Monk."
In recent years, Turturro continued to impress audiences with his performances in projects like "The Night Of" (2016) and "The Name of the Rose" (2019). He appeared in the 2022 film "The Batman" as Carmine Falcone, showcasing his enduring presence in the industry. Turturro's dedication to his craft and ability to tackle diverse roles have solidified his status as a respected actor and filmmaker in Hollywood.

John Turturro's familial ties to the entertainment industry extend beyond his immediate family. His brother, Nicholas Turturro, is also an actor, while his cousins include composer and film director Richard Termini and actress Aida Turturro.
In addition to his career in film and television, Turturro is actively involved in the New York International Children's Film Festival (NYICFF), serving as a member of the jury. This festival is dedicated to showcasing films tailored for children between the ages of 3 and 18, highlighting Turturro's commitment to supporting artistic endeavors for young audiences.
Turturro's connection to Italy is reflected in his dual Italian and American citizenship, a status he acquired as of January 2011. Despite his international citizenship, Turturro has called Park Slope in Brooklyn, New York, home since 1988.