Discover the Surprising Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of “My Cousin Vinny”

Published on 09/10/2024
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Marisa Tomei’s Biological Clock Scene Wasn’t in the Original Script

When it came to cutting Tomei’s Mona Lisa, one key addition was the “biological clock” scene, which ultimately became one of Launer’s favorites. In this memorable moment, Mona Lisa expresses her frustration to Vinny about her “biological clock ticking” and her desire for a marriage proposal. After a heated rant and a series of complaints, Vinny unloads his own issues on her, leading Mona Lisa to apologize for bringing up the topic, saying, “Maybe it was a bad time to bring it up.”

Marisa Tomei’s Biological Clock Scene Wasn’t In The Original Script

Marisa Tomei’s Biological Clock Scene Wasn’t In The Original Script

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Robert De Niro Was Initially Considered for Vinny

Although it’s hard to picture anyone but Joe Pesci in the role of Vinny Gambini, screenwriter Dale Launer initially had Robert De Niro in mind for the part. Launer believed De Niro would be an excellent fit for Vinny. However, the studio president felt that De Niro, known for his serious roles at the time, wasn’t “funny” enough for the role. Launer mentioned in an interview with Writer Unboxed that the president appeared “uncomfortable” and “embarrassed” by the suggestion. Ironically, De Niro would later become well-known for his comedic roles, including his performance in the Meet the Parents franchise.

Robert De Niro Was Initially Considered For Vinny

Robert De Niro Was Initially Considered For Vinny

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