I meant to write about “The Tooch” for the What A Character! blogathon but with everything going on, it got away from me. My only thoughts were “he’s adorable” and “what a chameleon of a great actor.” Each of his characterizations is different and each is perfect in its details, becoming an essential part of whatever film in which he’s working his magic. PS: He turns 53 today. Looking good Tooch.
Paula's Cinema Club 
Wonderful actor. The man can truly play any role given him.
Right? Even in stuff like Easy A, he carves out an identity, and in that way, I think of him as an heir to the Old Hollywood supporting actors. Has he ever done any leads on film that I have missed? I wonder if he even wants to.
Arguably, isn’t his Secundo in ‘Big Night’ a lead role?
I guess so? I haven’t seen it in forever but I have the impression that it’s more about Primo. Not that Tooch didn’t excel as a total schmoozer…cos he did 😉
I agree with le0pard13: Tucci can handle anything you throw at him.
I was trying to think of a fave Tucci role and can’t come up with one. The most recent thing I saw him in was “The Devil Wore Prada”, which I’ve seen before, but I was struck again by how nuanced his performance is and the chemistry he seems to have with every other actor in the scene.
One of my favorite of Tucci’s most recent roles was as Paul Child in Julie and Julia, it is replete with nuance and chemistry. I wrote it up at Flix Chatter if you’re interested: http://flixchatter.net/2011/08/12/flix-character-spotlight-paul-child-in-julie-julia 🙂
Love The Tooch. One of my favorite actors.
🙂 Thanks Fernando!
😉
Hi Paula! Love this guy, he’s just sooo versatile and fun to watch! I’m gonna tweet the article you wrote on my blog on his role in Julie & Julia, he’s so charming and likable there. Happy Birthday Mr. Tucci!
Thanks for the reminder and tweet, Ruth…I was going to link to it but I ran out of time. One of my favorite things I’ve ever written 🙂
Hi, Paula:
‘Big Night’ pointed me in Mr. Tucci’s direction years ago. There was something about this ordinary looking guy and his confidence that instantly won me over.
A definite “Utility Infielder”, who possesses Elisha Cook, Jr’s ability to find something. No matter how small and latch onto it and make it a large part of his many diverse characters.
Really liked him as Julia Child’s husband in ‘Julie and Julia’. And as Ann Hathaway’s “Guy Friday” and mentor in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’.
I am so happy to see you say “utility infielder,” I consider that high praise from you, as is the comparison to Cook, who is practically the definition 🙂 Yes to both Julie and Julia and The Devil Wears Prada.