Joe Lisi has certainly made a name for himself in the world of entertainment, building an impressive acting career that spans several decades. Over the years, Joe Lisi has appeared in a wide array of films, showcasing his talent across genres and earning recognition as a dependable and versatile performer. It all started when Joe Lisi landed roles in notable projects like Forever, Lulu (1987), starring Hanna Schygulla, followed by appearances in the Robby Benson-led drama White Hot (1989) and the crime family saga Family Business (1989), which featured Sean Connery—early signs that Joe Lisi was on a promising path.
As his career progressed, Joe Lisi continued to build momentum with roles in compelling films such as the historical romance Come See the Paradise (1990) alongside Dennis Quaid, the gripping thriller Traces of Red (1992) with James Belushi, and the quirky comedy Who’s the Man? (1993). By the mid-90s, Joe Lisi had firmly established himself, appearing in critically acclaimed works like the period drama Quiz Show (1994) with John Turturro, the emotionally resonant Safe Passage (1994) featuring Susan Sarandon, and the offbeat comedy The Jerky Boys (1995) starring Johnny Brennan. He also added a crime thriller to his repertoire with Kiss of Death (1995), sharing screen time with David Caruso.
Moving into the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Joe Lisi kept up his steady presence in film, taking on parts in the intense character study Happiness (1998) with Jane Adams, Spike Lee’s atmospheric Summer of Sam (1999) starring John Leguizamo, and the gritty crime drama The Yards (2000) headlined by Mark Wahlberg. Beyond the big screen, Joe Lisi also made memorable contributions to television, including a recurring role on the long-running series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which aired on NBC starting in 1999.
In more recent years, Joe Lisi proved he still had plenty to offer, delivering a performance in the high-stakes thriller Man on a Ledge (2012) alongside Sam Worthington. Through it all, Joe Lisi has remained a respected figure in Hollywood, consistently choosing roles that challenge him and resonate with audiences. His journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a genuine love for the craft—qualities that have defined Joe Lisi’s enduring presence in film and television.
When it comes to Joe Lisi’s filmography, one name that really stands out is Trees Lounge from 1996—it’s definitely Joe Lisi’s highest rated movie and a clear highlight in his career. Fans and critics alike have praised the film for its raw storytelling and authentic performances, making it a standout moment for Joe Lisi. On the other hand, Joe Lisi was also part of Taxi, released in 2004, which ended up being his lowest rated film. While it had its moments, the overall reception wasn’t as strong, especially when compared to the depth and impact of Trees Lounge. So, if you’re looking at Joe Lisi’s work through the lens of critical response, these two films represent the high and low points—quite the contrast, really. Still, Joe Lisi’s contribution to both shows his range as an actor.