Renowned comedian Sebastián Maniscalco has achieved incredible success, selling out stadiums across the country with his stand-up performances. But it is his father, Salvatore Maniscalco, who often takes center stage as a common theme in his acts.
Salvatore Maniscalco said that his son was always funny as a child.
“Because he loves the stage,” said Salvatore Maniscalco. “I mean, when I see him there performing… I can read his mind and go, ‘Yeah, that’s where I belong.'”
Their father-son bond is highlighted in the upcoming film, “About My Father,” which is loosely based on Sebastian Maniscalco’s life with his Italian immigrant father. It will be in theaters on Friday.
Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro plays Salvatore Maniscalco in the film.
“You just don’t think Robert De Niro will end up playing your father,” Sebastián Maniscalco said. “It was like a dream come true.”
The film includes an emotionally charged scene at the end between Sebastián Maniscalco and De Niro, which presented a challenge for the comedian. He had to get emotional and cry on camera, something he had never done before. Seeking guidance, he turned to De Niro.
De Niro told him, “Think of your father when you do this. Think of your father.”
It worked, and the comedian said it taught him a lot about “getting to certain places” while performing.
De Niro said his own process is not to force anything.
“You either have it or you don’t,” De Niro said. “The worst thing you can do is push something that isn’t there, better not do anything.”
With his diverse range of roles and exceptional performances, De Niro has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades throughout his career. De Niro said he is honored and flattered to receive praise, but he said it makes him uncomfortable.
He also said that he criticizes himself when he sees his performances on screen.
“I look at myself and some of the things, I’m like, ‘Oh, God. I can’t look at that’. Part of this is out of vanity. But excluding the vanity part… what are you doing character-wise, what are you supposed to do, what’s the task at hand,” De Niro said.
Aside from acting, De Niro revealed earlier this week that he has welcomed his seventh son.
As for Sebastián Maniscalco, he said that his ultimate goal is for his son to admire him as he admires his own father.
Reflecting on having De Niro, a childhood icon, play his father, Sebastián Maniscalco was emotional, saying, “it’s a big moment for me.”