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Frank Pesce

Frank Pesce

Actor, also producer and writer · Died February 6, 2022, aged 75 · New York City, New York, USA

Frank Pesce (December 8, 1946 – February 6, 2022) was an American film and television actor. Born in New York City, Pesce was the son of two working-class Italian parents. Pesce started his film career as an extra in The Godfather Part II, and got his first credited role in 1976, in an episode of the television series Police Story. He guest-starred a large number of well-known TV-series, including Knight Rider, Kojak and Matlock, and was a busy character actor in films, notably appearing in Rocky, Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop and Flashdance. He wrote the script of the film 29th Street, based on his own autobiographical experiences. He made his last appearance in 2015, in Creed.

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Biography from TMDB.

Born
December 8, 1946
Died
February 6, 2022 (aged 75)
From
New York City, New York, USA
Works as
Actor, also producer and writer
Titles
59 on Motif · 75 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 39 days to Oct 28Up 25% in 30 days

What are Frank Pesce's films like?

Across their 11 Motif titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Morality and Society.

Genres

Crime4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 25th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Crime movies
Action3 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 25th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Action movies

Their Motif films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Morality
48%
Society
13%
Survival
10%
Bonds
10%
Self
10%
Ideas
5%
Power
3%
Justice7 titles, browse their movies with this themeBetrayal3 titles, browse their movies with this themeRedemption2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 11 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Grounded: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their grounded movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

Grounded 8 · Stylized 3 · Heightened 0

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

Gentle 1 · Charged 8 · Intense 2

Shifting: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their shifting movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 2 · Shifting 9 · Whiplash 0

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 8 · Some laughs 2 · Funny 1

Even-paced: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their even-paced movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

Slow burn 2 · Even-paced 8 · Relentless 1

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

A split, not a type: Casual 6 · Engaged 4 · Full focus 1

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

Resolved 10 · Open-ended 1 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

1 analyzed role

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
10
Dread
3
Thrilling
3
Contemplative
2
Warm
1
Other
7

How their films linger

Hopeful5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteUnsettling3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteCathartic3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteBittersweet4 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFun2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteFeel-good2 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end

  • Happy6
  • Bittersweet4
  • Ambiguous1

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Frank Pesce's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 40 of their 59 Motif titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Tubi (25).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Frank Pesce's titles on Motif; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

75 credits, 59 with a Motif page; 3 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

  • Beyond the Neon(2022)

    as Frankie the Strip Club Owner

    Midcredits score: 67th percentile of all films

  • Creed(2015)

    as Mickey's Gym Doorman

    Midcredits score: 96th percentile of all films

  • The Expendables 3(2014)

    as Fight Watcher

    Midcredits score: 39th percentile of all films

  • Reach Me(2014)

    as Frank's Henchman

    Midcredits score: 10th percentile of all films

  • Grudge Match(2013)

    as Journalist #4

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films

  • Tower Heist(2011)

    as Riker's Prison Guard

    Midcredits score: 46th percentile of all films

  • Citizen Jane(2009)

    as Virgil Jackman

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • Middle Men(2009)

    as Bar Patron

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films

  • Final Approach(2007)

    as FAA Official Russo

    Midcredits score: 14th percentile of all films

  • Jane Doe: Til Death Do Us Part(2005)

    as Rocco Galletta

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • The Whole Ten Yards(2004)

    as Policeman #1

    Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all films

  • On the Edge(2002)

    as Bo

    Midcredits score: 8th percentile of all films

  • Double Take(2001)

    Producer · as Vito

    Midcredits score: 25th percentile of all films

  • Black & White(1999)

    as Joey

    Midcredits score: 17th percentile of all films

  • The Tony Danza Show (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1997)

    Show 1 episode · as Guy

  • Night Vision(1997)

    as Mike Mahoney

    Midcredits score: 11th percentile of all films

  • Donnie Brasco(1997)

    as Wiseguy

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Uncle Sam(1996)

    as Barker

    Midcredits score: 9th percentile of all films

  • Original Gangstas(1996)

    as Detective Waits

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • The Cottonwood (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1996)

    Actor

  • The Single Guy (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1995)

    Show 1 episode · as Cabbie

  • Trapped in Paradise(1994)

    as Caesar Spinoz

    Midcredits score: 33rd percentile of all films

  • The Pamela Principle 2(1994)

    as Ralph

    Midcredits score: 8th percentile of all films

  • Ice (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1994)

    as Mobster

  • Another Midnight Run (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1994)

    as Vito

  • Mirror Images II (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1993)

    as Clerk

  • South Beach(1993)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 5th percentile of all films

  • Blindsided(1993)

    as Detective

    Midcredits score: 9th percentile of all films

  • Casualties of Love: The Long Island Lolita Story (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1993)

    as Rehab Patient

  • Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence(1992)

    as Tribble

    Midcredits score: 13th percentile of all films

  • The Pamela Principle (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1992)

    as Eddie Breeding

  • In the Shadow of a Killer(1992)

    as Torelli

    Midcredits score: 13th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • 29th Street(1991)

    Associate Producer · Story · as Vito Pesce

    Midcredits score: 83rd percentile of all films

  • Steel and Lace(1990)

    as Patroni

    Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all films

  • Maniac Cop 2(1990)

    as Strip Club M.C.

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films

  • Bar Girls (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1990)

    as Joe

  • Relentless(1989)

    as Marra

    Midcredits score: 37th percentile of all films

  • Lock Up(1989)

    as Johnson

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all films

  • Hit List (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1989)

    as Quigley

  • The Cover Girl and the Cop(1989)

    as Assistant Director

    Midcredits score: 28th percentile of all films

  • Cameron's Closet(1988)

    as Ed Wallace

    Midcredits score: 17th percentile of all films

  • Midnight Run(1988)

    as Carmine

    Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films

  • Maniac Cop(1988)

    as Watchman

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films

  • Jake and the Fatman (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1987)

    Show 1 episode · as Barkeep

  • Beverly Hills Cop II(1987)

    as Carlotta

    Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all films

  • The Messenger(1986)

    as Man 1

    Midcredits score: 11th percentile of all films

  • Hollywood Harry(1985)

    as Peter the Producer

    Midcredits score: 12th percentile of all films

  • Top Gun(1986)

    as Bartender

    Midcredits score: 81st percentile of all films

  • Matlock(1986)

    Show 2 episodes · as Bailiff

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all shows

  • Beverly Hills Cop(1984)

    as Cigarette Buyer

    Midcredits score: 92nd percentile of all films

  • Who's the Boss?(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Waiter

    Midcredits score: 39th percentile of all shows

  • Miami Vice(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Benny

    Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all shows

  • Airwolf(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Ray

    Midcredits score: 45th percentile of all shows

  • Blue Thunder (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1984)

    Show 1 episode · as Guard / Gunner

  • Emergency Room (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1983)

    as Dusted Man

  • Eureka(1983)

    as Stefano

    Midcredits score: 41st percentile of all films

  • Flashdance(1983)

    as Mawby's Regular

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all films

  • The Big Score (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1983)

    as J.C.

  • Vigilante(1982)

    as Blueboy

    Midcredits score: 60th percentile of all films

  • Knight Rider(1982)

    Show 1 episode · as Director

    Midcredits score: 53rd percentile of all shows

  • Young Doctors in Love(1982)

    as The Gangsters - Rocco

    Midcredits score: 24th percentile of all films

  • Cagney & Lacey(1981)

    Show 1 episode · as Waiter

    Midcredits score: 43rd percentile of all shows

  • Cassie & Co. (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1982)

    Show 1 episode · as Crewman

  • The Greatest American Hero(1981)

    Show 1 episode · as Bartender

    Midcredits score: 66th percentile of all shows

  • Maniac(1980)

    as T.V. Reporter (voice)

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • Marilyn: The Untold Story(1980)

    Actor

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all films

  • Defiance(1980)

    as Herbie

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films

  • American Gigolo(1980)

    as Suspect #4

    Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films

  • Killer Fish(1979)

    as Warren

    Midcredits score: 4th percentile of all films

  • Tilt (not in the Motif catalog yet)(1979)

    as Rock Manager (Carrots)

  • Dead on Arrival(1978)

    as Freddie

    Midcredits score: 21st percentile of all films

  • Paradise Alley(1978)

    as Skinny the Hand

    Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films

  • Sorcerer(1977)

    as Married Man (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films

  • Rocky(1976)

    as Spectator (uncredited)

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • Kojak(1973)

    Show 1 episode · as Jerry Gerson · as Spencer

    Midcredits score: 58th percentile of all shows

Career shape

Star power in the 96th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 74 titles from 1973 to 2015; peak year 1983.

Biggest box office

Double Take (2001)

$32M worldwide

Highest rated

29th Street (1991)

Midcredits 83rd

Most popular right now

Killer Fish (1979)

Film career

19732015

Peak 1983 · back in prominent film roles after a quiet stretch. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting74 of 74: 73 only acting, 1 with another role · typical Midcredits score41stWriting1 of 74: 0 only writing, 1 with another roleProducing1 of 74: 0 only producing, 1 with another role

By decade

1970s7 · acting1980s32 · acting1990s23 · 23 acting · 1 crew2000s7 · acting2010s5 · acting

Billing

usually 20th · top billed in 0% of 28 roles
77828792

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on Motif, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.

How do Frank Pesce's films land?

Their typical Motif film has a Midcredits score in the 37th percentile, the median of all 51; across their 11 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 25th percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

25thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 11

Approval · how many liked their films

27thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 11

Reach · how many have seen their films

57thpercentile
Typical film, the median of 11

Midcredits score across 59 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up9
  • 50th to 74th14
  • 25th to 49th17
  • Below 25th19

Shape of the crowd

25 of their 59 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved6
  • Universally Panned1
  • Cult Classic2
  • Crowd Pleaser15
  • Broadly Agreed10
  • Mixed25

Most divisive · actor

On the Edge (2002)

85th percentile spread · 56% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Rocky (1976)

Midcredits 99th · 90% liked

Reviewers score the acting 55/100 in their films, across 11 reviewed titles; fans 72, detractors 35. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on Motif; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their Motif titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Who does Frank Pesce work with?

People who share at least 2 of Frank Pesce's Motif titles, grouped by what they did on them; Robert Forster shares the most, 3.

Directors

Actors

Editors

Producers

Mixed roles