In an interview that DeNiro gave to the NYTimes Magazine while he was directing "Bronx Tale," DeNiro said he chose unknown kid actor Brancato for the role because Brancato sent him a videotape of himself doing "Godfather" and "Goodfellas" imitations. DeNiro was so amused that he not only hired Brancato, but, during the interview, kept calling him into his trailer and telling him, "Lino, do Al...Lino, do Frankie Pentangeli..."
Hell, on that basis I should have sent DeNiro a tape of me doing my schticks--I coulda been a contenduh...