John Turturro could pick your pocket (if he wanted to)

Actor John Turturro reflects on his career, his craft, and the personal experiences that inform his performances. He discusses his role in the new film *The Only Living Pickpocket in New York*, detailing the technical research required to master pickpocketing and the emotional depth of portraying a man caring for an unresponsive wife. Turturro shares how his upbringing in a multicultural neighborhood and his role as a legal guardian for his brother, who struggled with mental illness, shaped his understanding of human volatility and resilience. He also examines iconic early performances in *Five Corners* and *Miller's Crossing*, explaining how he draws upon his own life to build complex, morally ambiguous characters. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of observation and empathy in acting, noting how his background in construction and his mother’s influence continue to ground his professional approach.