Chick Vennera


Chick Vennera is an American actor, known for his role as Joe Mondragon, in Robert Redford's The Milagro Beanfield War, among other movies, and often serves as a voice double for Joe Pesci.

Acting

After serving in the US Army Signal Corps, Vennera embarked on a career as an actor and dancer. He was also a musician, playing several instruments. His first acting role of note was in the Broadway production of Grease, having toured with the musical for a year.
He continued as a performer and appeared in the 1978 film Thank God It's Friday where he performed a dance routine on top of several cars. His acting career continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with him appearing in many films and television series. In 1989, he appeared in three episodes of The Golden Girls.
Vennera also ventured into voice acting in the 1980s with roles on Hanna-Barbera programs. However, his most notable role is Pesto on Warner Bros. Animation/Amblin Entertainment's hit animated series Animaniacs. Vennera now teaches acting.

Selected filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1978Thank God It's FridayMarv Gomez aka the Leatherman
1979YanksDanny
1981High RiskTony
1988The Milagro Beanfield WarJoe Mondragon
1991McBainRoberto Santos
1997Time Under FireSpitz
1999Wakko's WishPesto GoodfeatherVoice

YearTitleRoleNotes
2009BayonettaEnzoVoice

Personal life

Vennera spent time in the U.S. Army signal corps. He also spent time as a musician, playing in various nightclubs in Los Angeles.