John Turturro earned his first uncredited film role in the 1980 release of Raging Bull, a film directed by Martin Scorsese. The story behind his initial casting surfaced during a career retrospective as part of the Conversations at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation series, where Turturro recounted his experience auditioning for the iconic boxing drama.
The Audition Setup by Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese
Robert De Niro, who portrayed the lead character Jake LaMotta, spotted Turturro along with Michael Badalucco performing in an Off-Broadway production. Interested in potential roles for both newcomers, De Niro arranged a meeting with Scorsese to explore casting possibilities. For Turturro, this marked his first professional audition, which came with tension and uncertainty.
Preparing Against the Odds Without a Finished Script
Rather than attending the meeting as a simple discussion, Turturro and Badalucco chose to prepare a scene drawn directly from Jake LaMotta’s autobiography, the source material for the film. Approaching the audition in period-appropriate 1940s jackets, the pair performed in front of De Niro, Scorsese, and casting director Cis Corman, despite Scorsese repeatedly emphasizing that the script was still unfinished. Turturro admitted, “He was very nervous.”
Callbacks and Minor Roles Awarded
Following their initial audition, both actors received five callbacks, ultimately securing small, uncredited parts. Turturro appeared as the Man at Webster Hall Table, while Badalucco was cast as the Soda Fountain Clerk. Reflecting on their selection, Turturro commented,
I guess they were taken by our chutzpah,
—John Turturro, Actor
Significance of the Audition Experience
Turturro’s recounting of the Martin Scorsese Raging Bull audition highlights the uncertainty and nervous energy surrounding early career opportunities in Hollywood. Despite the film’s evolving script and the actors’ nervousness, their persistence and unique approach won the attention of key figures in the production. This moment serves as an example of how determination and preparation can open doors, even on projects still in development.
