Actor John Turturro trains as pickpocket for new film

Actor John Turturro says he has become proficient at lifting wallets, a skill he honed for his role in the new film The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. The character, named Harry, is a skilled thief who also serves as the primary caretaker for his wife, who is in a catatonic state. The plot shifts when Harry steals the backpack of a college student who turns out to be the grandson of a crime boss.

To prepare for the part, Turturro worked with Apollo Robbins, a well known sleight of hand artist. Robbins coached the actor on misdirection techniques and provided specific exercises. Turturro practiced constantly in the production office and on set. He notes that tight horizontal pockets in jeans are difficult to pick, while back pockets and unzipped zippers on purses or backpacks are easier targets.

Turturro, who is 69, says he is drawn to complex roles that require learning new skills. He describes himself as a student who likes the uncertainty of potentially failing at a new task. His film credits include Five Corners, The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and Do the Right Thing. In recent years, he has appeared in the television series The Night Of, The Plot Against America, and Severance.

The actor discussed the personal challenges that shaped his career, including his role as the legal guardian for his late brother who had schizophrenia. Turturro spent years managing his brother's care, hiring aides, and dealing with unpredictable behavior. He said there was no good system in place for mentally ill individuals, leading to many encounters with police and hospital stays.

Turturro recalled a moment when his brother threw food at him during a hospital visit. He had to decide whether to stay or leave while protecting his own family from the volatility. The experience taught him about human behavior and his own capacity to withstand stress. He noted that his brother was a perceptive musician who once told him he had provided a lot of material for the actor's work, though at a high cost.

His early life was marked by instability. His father suffered from post traumatic stress disorder after being blown up on a destroyer during World War II. Turturro grew up in a household with high tension, often serving as the middle child who calmed situations. He described his home environment as an acting class where he learned to diffuse conflict and observe the dynamics between his parents.

The actor also reflected on growing up in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Hollis, Queens, for his first six years. He had no white friends during that time, which influenced his musical taste, sense of humor, and friendships. When he moved to Rosedale, a neighborhood with more Italian, Irish, and Jewish residents, he felt prejudiced against for the first time. People often assumed he was Puerto Rican, which created a more aggressive dynamic for him personally.

Turturro says these multicultural experiences helped him navigate different social environments. He felt a strong bond with director Spike Lee, who also grew up in an Italian neighborhood. When Lee showed him the script for Do the Right Thing, Turturro wanted to play the racist pizza seller because he recognized the character from his own work experience. He believes his age and life experience give him a fuller toolbox for acting, allowing for precision and stillness rather than just physical agility.