Martin Scorsese biography, net worth, wife, children, age, height 2025

Martin Scorsese Biography

Martin Scorsese is more than just a film director; he's a global cultural phenomenon and cinematic legend who continually surprises audiences while staying true to himself.

Early Years

Martin Scorsese is a third-generation New Yorker, descended from Italian immigrants. He was born to working-class parents, Catherine and Charles Scorsese, on November 17, 1942. Martin grew up in Queens, where gang raids and street disputes were part of daily life. As a child, he often fell ill, suffering from frequent colds and asthma attacks. His devout Catholic parents sent him to parish school, hoping he'd become a priest. But Martin had different plans.

In interviews, Scorsese often joked about wanting to be a gangster, then a priest, then a gangster again—that was the street code. But in reality, from an early age, he dreamt of film. Movies he saw with his parents made such a profound impact that after a few years in Catholic school, he decided to attend the University of Arts and Sciences. The decision surprised Catherine and Charles, but they supported him. Their son was set to become the first Scorsese with a higher education.

Martin began his studies but was soon drafted for military service, interrupting his education. After returning, he continued his studies at New York University.

Film Career

After finishing his education, Martin created several short films tackling social issues, which put the emerging director on the map.

His first feature film, "Who's That Knocking at My Door," released in 1967, starred Zina Bethune and Harvey Keitel. Critics praised the film but noted its rough edges, confident that Scorsese would deliver even stronger work with experience. His follow-up films, "Street Scene" and "Boxcar Bertha," earned praise as interesting but not groundbreaking. But Martin wasn't fazed by critics or peers—he was fired up about his vision for a new film.

Martin Scorsese at the start of his career

"Mean Streets" demolished the romanticized mafia image popularized by Mario Puzo's 1970s bestseller. Scorsese knew the brutal reality of criminal life—the blood, the drugs—and he showed a man caught between becoming a criminal or dying to save someone else.

Martin Scorsese on the set of 'Mean Streets'

Unlike his later films, this one dug deep into the protagonist's psyche rather than chronicling his climb up the criminal ladder. Harvey Keitel delivered a powerful performance as Charlie, wrestling with guilt over an inevitable betrayal, while Robert De Niro brought Johnny Boy to life. This first Scorsese-De Niro collaboration was pure magic, setting the stage for future masterpieces and launching one of cinema's greatest partnerships.

'Mean Streets' marked the start of Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro's friendship

After the dramedy "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" starring Ellen Burstyn and Kris Kristofferson, Scorsese unleashed something explosive—a film unlike anything ever made before. The gritty urban masterpiece "Taxi Driver" shattered cinematic conventions and laid bare a society willfully blind to its own darkness. This mesmerizing, provocative film struck a nerve with audiences everywhere.

Martin Scorsese Cameo (Taxi Driver)

This complex, allegorical tragedy unfolds against a bleak New York backdrop, weaving biblical themes into a searing portrait of modern life. Exploring loneliness, inner demons, and the emotional chaos of a character who's both killer and victim, De Niro's powerhouse performance makes every frame pure cinematic art. The film also features Harvey Keitel and a very young Jodie Foster in the role of a prostitute.

"Taxi Driver" (1976) stands as one of cinema's greatest achievements, representing both the peak of film noir and the birth of post-noir, perfectly capturing the paranoid psychology of personal breakdown.

Between 1977 and 1990, Scorsese delivered major hits including the dramas "Raging Bull," "The King of Comedy," "The Color of Money," and the thriller "Cape Fear." Scorsese continued his collaboration with De Niro and also worked with Paul Newman, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Cruise.

The controversial "The Last Temptation of Christ" explored Scorsese's personal relationship with faith and ignited fierce opposition from religious groups. Death threats from religious extremists forced Scorsese to hire bodyguards.

Martin Scorsese and Willem Dafoe on the set of 'The Last Temptation of Christ'

The gangster theme continued with "Goodfellas," featuring De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci. Scorsese masterfully weaves themes of inevitable retribution, loyalty, family bonds, and faith throughout the story. The film's raw brutality and unflinching realism set it apart from other crime dramas.

Scorsese and De Niro on the set of 'Goodfellas'

"Gangs of New York" hit theaters in the early 2000s. The film starred Daniel Day-Lewis, Brendan Gleeson, and Jim Broadbent. Scorsese told Parade that the film's success hinged on Leonardo DiCaprio, who came recommended by De Niro himself. This movie marked the beginning of a long collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio.

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio on the set of 'Gangs of New York'

Scorsese's films have become global cinema classics, and many actors in them have received awards, including the coveted Oscar and the British BAFTA. Despite nine Oscar nominations, Scorsese finally claimed the coveted prize in 2006 for "The Departed."

Martin Scorsese Wins Best Directing

Adapted from the Hong Kong thriller "Infernal Affairs," the story follows an Irish mob boss and an undercover FBI agent infiltrating his organization. Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon took on the leading roles, with Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and Alec Baldwin also featured in the cast.

This expertly crafted psychological thriller once again showcased Scorsese's trademark cynicism and bleak worldview, delivering a gut-punch ending that reflects the moral decay of both the city and its criminal underworld.

Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Damon

"American Boy," released in 2009, marked an unusual departure for Scorsese—a raw conversation between the director and longtime friend Steven Prince that blurred the lines between documentary and fiction. Prince regaled Martin with tales of drugs, women, and crime—stories of overlooked triumphs and preventable disasters.

This documentary exploration of someone who wasn't a media personality or even a real character predictably didn't become a box office hit, but found appreciation among discerning viewers. The film featured Scorsese himself, as well as George Memmoli, Cathy McGinnis, and Julia Cameron.

In 2010, the director gave his fans a breather with the psychological thriller "Shutter Island" and its shocking, dramatic conclusion. This intricate drama, like a mosaic of character fates and personas from Ben Kingsley, Mark Ruffalo, and Max von Sydow, became the highest-grossing film in Scorsese's career. DiCaprio starred in "Shutter Island" – marking the fourth collaboration between these two legends, a partnership that's evolved from mutual admiration into genuine friendship.

Their next project became a sensation, achieving unprecedented success while once again dividing audiences and critics. 2013 will be remembered as the year "The Wolf of Wall Street" hit theaters. Based on Jordan Belfort's biographical book written while in prison, the drama carried Scorsese's typical provocative touch despite its "Hollywood cinema" feel.

The making of The Wolf of Wall Street

The film boasted a stellar cast including Jonah Hill, Kyle Chandler, Margot Robbie, Jean Dujardin, and Matthew McConaughey. Mountains of drugs against exquisite backdrops, luxurious homes and cars, and the word "f**k" dropped about six hundred times framed the human tragedy of DiCaprio's character and his relentless pursuit of money. The movie earned Leo over a quarter million dollars, making him the world's highest-paid actor, while for Scorsese, it represented another victory over the puritanism and mediocrity he despised.

Margot Robbie, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Martin Scorsese on the set of 'The Wolf of Wall Street'

In 2015, Scorsese served as producer for the series "Vinyl," which dove into the '70s era when new musical genres emerged from guitar strums, shaping modern history. While viewers appreciated the show's presentation and its atmosphere of freedom that shattered systems of prohibition and taboos, HBO decided against a second season.

The 2017 release of "Silence" sparked debates about Scorsese's complex relationship with God, who remains an unseen witness to earthly injustices in the film, choosing not to interfere in human affairs. This marked the director's third film exploring religion, featuring Andrew Garfield, Ciarán Hinds, and Liam Neeson.

Martin Scorsese discusses his faith, his struggles, and «Silence»

For about 30 years, the director has been actively involved in a foundation dedicated to finding and restoring films from cinema's early days. As of 2017, the foundation had revived around five hundred films once considered irretrievably lost.

Martin Scorsese's impact on global culture is impossible to overstate. Yet by his own account, he's far from finished—there's still so much he wants to accomplish.

A Love Affair with Music

Music has always been a defining element of the master's creative journey. Martin Scorsese's love affair with rock music started in the late 1960s when he worked on a documentary about the Woodstock festival.

The Last Waltz Official Trailer #2

His 1978 film capturing The Band's farewell concert, "The Last Waltz," stands as the gold standard for concert documentaries. Throughout his career, Scorsese has crafted documentaries celebrating the genius of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and the Rolling Stones.

Martin Scorsese and Michael Jackson on the set of 'Bad' music video

Scorsese conceptualized and directed Michael Jackson's music video for "Bad". He maintained a close friendship with the King of Pop and was devastated by Jackson's tragic death.

Michael Jackson - "Bad" (Directed by Martin Scorsese)

Martin Scorsese's Personal Life

Scorsese's personal life has been every bit as dramatic as his films. The legendary director has been married six times. His first marriage was to college sweetheart Laraine Brennan, with whom he had a daughter named Catherine. He later married actress Sandra Weintraub—a marriage that lasted 11 years.

His third wife was writer and journalist Julia Cameron. Their affair led to his divorce from Weintraub. Julia gave birth to Scorsese's second daughter, Domenica. But their marriage crumbled when Scorsese began an affair with Liza Minnelli. When Julia discovered the affair, she left Scorsese, taking their newborn daughter with her.

In 1979, Isabella Rossellini became his next wife. But she couldn't handle Scorsese's obsessive jealousy—he even hired private detectives to spy on her.

Scorsese then married producer Barbara De Fina. This marriage collapsed when he started an affair with Helen Morris in 1999, a publishing executive. She became his sixth wife, but their marriage fell apart in 2016 due to Scorsese's chronic infidelity and volatile temper. With Helen, Scorsese had his third daughter, Francesca.

Scorsese doesn't view his multiple marriages and affairs as extraordinary, insisting that his daughters are the greatest gifts his former wives gave him. But it was after his first divorce that Martin, spiraling into depression, turned to alcohol and drugs. He nearly died from a severe hemorrhage triggered by a cocaine overdose. According to Scorsese, his friend Robert De Niro—along with yoga and transcendental meditation—helped save his life.

Martin Scorsese Now

In late 2019, "The Irishman" hit screens as a passion project Scorsese had been developing for nearly two years. Based on a novel by Charles Brandt, the story revolves around real events that took place in America during the 70s. The film captivated audiences thanks to Scorsese's masterful direction and a powerhouse cast including Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Joe Pesci, and Al Pacino, who brought Jimmy Hoffa to life.

De Niro and Scorsese on the set of 'The Irishman'

That same year, Scorsese served as the executive producer for "Uncut Gems" starring Adam Sandler and Julia Fox. The film follows a jewelry store owner who scores a shipment of rare uncut black opals. Critics absolutely loved it. 2019 also saw Scorsese-associated releases of "Souvenir" and "Port Authority".

How Martin Scorsese Directs a Movie

In 2020, Scorsese was involved in two films: "Pieces of a Woman" starring Vanessa Kirby and Shia LaBeouf, and "Shirley" with Elisabeth Moss. He also executive produced several projects during this period, including "The Card Counter", "Killers of the Flower Moon", and the "Souvenir" sequel. In 2021, Scorsese also dropped the documentary miniseries "Pretend It's a City", featuring his conversations with celebrated writer and New York maven Fran Lebowitz.

Martin Scorsese & Fran Lebowitz Discuss Pretend It's A City

Martin Scorsese: latest news and articles

Martin Scorsese has teamed up with Leonardo DiCaprio to create a crime thriller

28 May 2025

The film that nearly destroyed Scorsese — and that`s exactly why it`s worth watching

15 Mar 2025

Janice Harris

Scorsese gave the world a bunch of cool films, more of these directors

2021-05-17 17:21:41
Nicholas Diaz

Martin Scorsese knows how to shoot in such a way that you just watch his films without stopping. Each story has a riddle, deep meaning.

2021-05-09 15:45:12
Cody Carlos King

Scorsese does not change his style of directing, despite the fact that all of his films are diverse. He is very cool

2021-04-28 17:37:37
Karen Mason

It is not surprising that all of Scorsese`s significant work was filmed with the participation of DiCaprio. Two very talented people together is power.

2021-04-05 14:31:46
Jesus Palmer

I love Scorsese`s Shutter Island. And DiCaprio is also on top. That`s when everything coincides so it`s just a thrill.

2021-02-19 13:05:49

Photos: Martin Scorsese