You couldn't be more right about this: Pesci absolutely nailed this guy's walk, tone of voice, you name it. Most cinema goers wouldn't have known who the character was based on and just how dead-on Pesci's portrayal really was. It would rank up with the highest of any cinematic portrayal of a historical figure; and any I can think of in fact I would say Pesci puts to shame.

Pesci is one incredibly underrated actor who got pigeonholed in the mob genre - but he does it so well. Just how well isn't fully appreciated.