Jesse Plemons, now a rising star in Hollywood, experienced a tense moment during the filming of Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman in 2019, when he worked alongside legendary actor Robert De Niro. This encounter highlighted the challenges and opportunities Plemons faced as he transitioned from supporting roles to performing with some of the greatest actors in the industry.
A Glimpse into Working with Hollywood Legends
Jesse Plemons has steadily built his reputation from television sports dramas to becoming an Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated actor. His performances over the past decade have attracted serious award attention, including Emmy nominations for Fargo and Black Mirror, and an Academy Award nod for Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog. His collaboration with distinguished Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, especially on films like Poor Things and Bugonia, has further solidified his position as a critical favorite. Looking ahead, Plemons’ role in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s upcoming Tom Cruise black comedy, Digger, is expected to continue his upward trajectory.
Breaking into Martin Scorsese’s World
Before reaching his current status, Plemons was mostly seen in supporting parts. His first project with Martin Scorsese, The Irishman, marked a significant step, featuring a cast of cinema greats including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Harvey Keitel. Portraying Chuckie, the son of Al Pacino’s Jimmy Hoffa, Plemons faced the intense experience of sharing scenes with these icons. One moment that stood out was when Plemons sat in a car with both Pacino and De Niro, an intimidating setup given the actors’ storied history.
The Moment That Nearly Sparked Conflict
Recounting the tense interaction in an interview with Backstage, Plemons admitted to making a poorly timed joke during filming:
I think I made a terrible joke at one point, asking, ‘Do you trust me?’ in a smart-aleck way, and Bob (De Niro) was not pleased.
This brief clash could have derailed their working relationship, but the atmosphere eventually eased as the production progressed.
Learning from Legendary Peers on a Landmark Film
Despite initial nerves, Plemons found the experience rewarding and educational amid such a distinguished cast. He reflected:
The weight of what a crazy opportunity this was started sinking in, and the main objective became just trying to get as comfortable and relaxed as possible in that environment…It’s something I’ll never forget. I could retire and be OK with that.
The Irishman went on to receive ten Oscar nominations and four Golden Globe nods, underscoring the film’s impact despite not winning major awards.
Continuing Collaborations and Career Growth
Following The Irishman, Plemons appeared in the Breaking Bad sequel El Camino, further raising his profile. Years later, Scorsese invited him again to join Robert De Niro in Killers of the Flower Moon, a film that also earned ten Oscar nominations. These repeated collaborations not only reflect Plemons’ rising stature but also his ability to hold his own alongside some of the most respected figures in the film world.
