Rise to Success: Career Highlights of John Turturro

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how John Turturro made an impact.

John Turturro is a celebrated American actor and filmmaker, renowned for his diverse roles, particularly in independent cinema. He is a frequent collaborator with acclaimed directors like the Coen brothers and Spike Lee. Turturro's contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with a Primetime Emmy Award and multiple Golden Globe nominations, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in film.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1980: First Film Appearance in Raging Bull

In 1980, John Turturro made his first film appearance as a non-speaking extra in "Raging Bull".

1983: Danny and the Deep Blue Sea

In 1983, John Turturro created the title role of John Patrick Shanley's "Danny and the Deep Blue Sea" at the Playwrights Conference.

1985: To Live and Die in L.A.

In 1985, John Turturro had a notable supporting role in William Friedkin's action film "To Live and Die in L.A.", playing the henchman.

1987: Career Breakthrough with Five Corners

In 1987, John Turturro achieved his career breakthrough with his performance in "Five Corners", marking a significant milestone in his acting career.

1987: Five Corners performance

In 1987, John Turturro's performance in "Five Corners" impressed Spike Lee, leading to future collaborations.

1989: Do the Right Thing

In 1989, John Turturro acted in Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing", beginning a long-standing collaboration between the two.

1990: Mo' Better Blues

In 1990, John Turturro and Spike Lee collaborated on the film "Mo' Better Blues".

1990: Miller's Crossing

In 1990, John Turturro appeared in the Coen Brothers' film "Miller's Crossing".

1990: Miller's Crossing and Mo' Better Blues

In 1990, John Turturro starred in two films: the Coen brothers' "Miller's Crossing" and Spike Lee's "Mo' Better Blues", expanding his presence in both independent and mainstream cinema.

1991: Jungle Fever

In 1991, John Turturro and Spike Lee collaborated on the film "Jungle Fever".

1991: Barton Fink and Jungle Fever

In 1991, John Turturro starred in the Coen brothers' "Barton Fink," for which he won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor, and in Spike Lee's "Jungle Fever."

1992: Directorial Debut with Mac

In 1992, John Turturro directed his first film, "Mac", marking the beginning of his career as a director.

1993: Fearless

In 1993, John Turturro starred in the film "Fearless", adding to his diverse filmography.

1994: Saturday Night Live Host

In 1994, John Turturro hosted "Saturday Night Live", where he spoofed his film, "Quiz Show".

1994: Quiz Show

In 1994, John Turturro starred in the film "Quiz Show", contributing to his varied roles in film.

1995: Clockers

In 1995, John Turturro and Spike Lee collaborated on the film "Clockers".

1996: Girl 6

In 1996, John Turturro appeared in "Girl 6", another collaboration with Spike Lee.

1998: He Got Game

In 1998, John Turturro appeared in Spike Lee's film "He Got Game".

1999: Summer of Sam

In 1999, John Turturro appeared in Spike Lee's film "Summer of Sam".

1999: Illuminata Release

In 1999, John Turturro produced, directed, and acted in the film "Illuminata", which also starred his wife, Katherine Borowitz.

2000: O Brother, Where Art Thou?

In 2000, John Turturro appeared in the Coen Brothers' film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?".

2002: Mr. Deeds

In 2002, John Turturro appeared in Adam Sandler's movie "Mr. Deeds".

2004: She Hate Me

In 2004, John Turturro appeared in Spike Lee's film "She Hate Me".

2005: Romance and Cigarettes

In 2005, John Turturro directed the film "Romance and Cigarettes", expanding his directorial work.

2006: The Good Shepherd and Transformers

In 2006, John Turturro appeared in Robert De Niro's "The Good Shepherd" and as Seymour Simmons in the "Transformers" series.

2007: Transformers film series

In 2007, John Turturro portrayed Seymour Simmons in the "Transformers" film series.

2008: You Don't Mess with the Zohan

In 2008, John Turturro appeared in Adam Sandler's movie "You Don't Mess with the Zohan".

2008: Miracle at St. Anna

In 2008, John Turturro appeared in Spike Lee's film "Miracle at St. Anna".

2010: Passione Directing

In 2010, John Turturro directed (and had cameo on-screen appearances in) "Passione", a film about the musical heritage of Naples, Italy.

October 2011: Broadway Directorial Debut

In October 2011, John Turturro made his stage directorial debut with the Broadway play "Relatively Speaking", guiding a cast of veteran actors.

September 2013: Fading Gigolo TIFF Premiere and Interview

In September 2013, John Turturro's film "Fading Gigolo" premiered at TIFF, and Turturro discussed parallels between sex work and acting in an interview.

2013: Fading Gigolo

In 2013, John Turturro directed the film "Fading Gigolo", continuing his work as a director.

March 2014: Career Achievement Tribute at Miami International Film Festival

In March 2014, John Turturro received the Career Achievement tribute and award at the 31st Edition of the Miami International Film Festival.

2016: The Night Of

In 2016, John Turturro starred in the HBO thriller miniseries "The Night Of".

2017: Transformers film series

In 2017, John Turturro portrayed Seymour Simmons in the "Transformers" film series.

2018: Gloria Bell

In 2018, John Turturro starred in "Gloria Bell", adding to his extensive list of film appearances.

2019: The Name of the Rose Adaptation

In 2019, John Turturro played William of Baskerville in a television adaptation of Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose".

2020: The Jesus Rolls

In 2020, John Turturro directed the film "The Jesus Rolls", marking his fifth directorial venture.

2020: The Plot Against America

In 2020, John Turturro starred in the HBO miniseries "The Plot Against America".

2022: The Batman and Severance

In 2022, John Turturro appeared as Carmine Falcone in Matt Reeves' film "The Batman" and portrayed Irving Bailiff on the television series "Severance".