Casino Cast: Key Characters and Performers of the Iconic 1995 Film

Casino (1995), directed by Martin Scorsese, is a classic crime drama based on the true story of the rise and fall of a Las Vegas casino empire. The film follows the lives of three main characters as they navigate the world of gambling, corruption, and betrayal in the vibrant and dangerous setting of 1970s and 1980s Las Vegas.

The film boasts an all-star cast that brings its gritty narrative to life. Here’s a detailed look at the main characters and the talented actors who brought them to the screen.

Key Cast of Casino (1995)

1. Robert De Niro as Sam “Ace” Rothstein

• Character Overview: Sam Rothstein, also known as Ace, is a meticulous and intelligent casino manager hired to oversee the operations of The Tangiers Casino in Las Vegas. He is a bookmaker with an exceptional ability to manage the casino’s business, ensuring that profits soar while keeping the operations running smoothly. However, Ace’s reliance on others, including the mob, and his obsession with control eventually lead to his downfall.
• Actor Background: Robert De Niro is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in cinema history. With a career spanning several decades, he has played iconic roles in films like The Godfather Part II (1974), Raging Bull (1980), and Taxi Driver (1976). In Casino, De Niro brings a nuanced performance as the intelligent yet vulnerable Ace, a character who is torn between his desire for power and his moral struggles.

2. Sharon Stone as Ginger McKenna

• Character Overview: Ginger McKenna is a beautiful but troubled former showgirl who becomes Ace’s wife. She is charismatic but manipulative, using her looks and charm to control the men around her. Ginger’s emotional instability and past life as a hustler lead her to make destructive decisions, affecting both her marriage to Ace and her relationship with her former lover, Nicky Santoro. Ginger’s character serves as a major catalyst for Ace’s downfall, as her erratic behavior and emotional turmoil lead to significant tensions.
• Actor Background: Sharon Stone became a household name following her portrayal of Ginger in Casino. Her performance earned her Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Actress. Stone’s portrayal of Ginger was both glamorous and tragic, capturing the character’s beauty and vulnerability. Before this, Stone had made her mark with roles in films like Basic Instinct (1992) and Total Recall (1990).

3. Joe Pesci as Nicky Santoro

• Character Overview: Nicky Santoro is a violent, unpredictable enforcer with ties to the Chicago Mafia. He is sent to Las Vegas to ensure that Ace’s operations run smoothly, but Nicky’s aggressive nature and disregard for the rules quickly make him a liability. While Ace is trying to run the casino business legitimately, Nicky’s actions spiral out of control, leading to violence, chaos, and ultimately his own downfall. Nicky’s loyalty to his friends, especially Ace, contrasts with his reckless tendencies and criminal behavior.
• Actor Background: Joe Pesci is known for his roles in gangster films, particularly for his collaborations with Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. He became famous for his portrayal of Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas (1990), a role that earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. In Casino, Pesci delivers a gripping performance as the hot-headed Nicky, a character whose temper often drives the plot forward.

4. James Woods as Lester Diamond

• Character Overview: Lester Diamond is a smooth-talking con artist and Ginger’s former lover. He plays a significant role in Ginger’s life as both a romantic partner and a manipulator. Lester constantly tries to exploit Ginger’s vulnerabilities, particularly her emotional dependency on him. His opportunistic and deceitful nature makes him one of the film’s primary antagonists, often undermining Ace’s attempts to control the situation.
• Actor Background: James Woods is known for his versatile acting skills and his ability to play both sympathetic and antagonistic characters. Woods has had a long and successful career, starring in films like Videodrome (1983), The Onion Field (1979), and Salvador (1986). His performance as Lester Diamond in Casino adds a layer of sleaziness and emotional manipulation to the film’s narrative.

5. Don Rickles as Billy Sherbert

• Character Overview: Billy Sherbert is a casino executive and Ace’s close friend. He helps Ace run The Tangiers and is one of the few characters in the film who tries to maintain a sense of loyalty to Ace. Rickles’ character adds some light-hearted moments to the otherwise tense atmosphere of the film, providing comic relief as well as a moral compass in contrast to the violence and chaos surrounding the other characters.
• Actor Background: Don Rickles was a legendary comedian and actor known for his sharp wit and insult humor. Rickles had a career spanning several decades, becoming a fixture in American comedy. His roles in films like The Rat Race (1960) and Toy Story (1995), where he voiced Mr. Potato Head, made him a beloved figure in Hollywood. In Casino, his dry humor and no-nonsense approach add depth to his role.

6. Kevin Pollak as Phillip Green

• Character Overview: Phillip Green is a casino worker who tries to help Ace with the financial aspects of the business. Although not a major character, Green’s role is essential to the inner workings of the casino’s operations, and he provides support to Ace throughout the film.
• Actor Background: Kevin Pollak is a seasoned actor and comedian, best known for his roles in The Usual Suspects (1995), A Few Good Men (1992), and the Kevin Pollak Chat Show. His career has spanned film, television, and comedy, and his performance as Phillip Green is both subtle and effective in supporting the main plot.

Themes and Impact of the Casino Cast

The ensemble cast in Casino brings together a mix of seasoned actors, each contributing to the film’s exploration of the corrupt and dangerous world of Las Vegas. The dynamics between Ace, Ginger, and Nicky create a web of deceit, betrayal, and violence that is central to the narrative. The performances by De Niro, Stone, and Pesci elevate the story, providing a mix of emotional depth, tension, and dark humor.

The Power of De Niro and Scorsese’s Partnership

• Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro’s long-standing collaboration has produced some of the most iconic films in cinema history. Their work on Casino continues the partnership that began with Taxi Driver (1976) and Raging Bull (1980). De Niro’s portrayal of Ace, a man struggling to maintain control in a chaotic world, is one of his finest performances. His chemistry with Pesci, who plays Nicky, is electric, adding a layer of tension to the film’s exploration of loyalty and betrayal.

Sharon Stone’s Breakthrough Role

• Sharon Stone’s performance as Ginger McKenna is one of the defining aspects of Casino. Her portrayal of a complex, flawed character who battles her own demons and manipulates those around her adds emotional weight to the story. Stone’s performance earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination, cementing her status as one of the top actresses of her generation.

Joe Pesci’s Iconic Villain

• Joe Pesci’s portrayal of Nicky Santoro in Casino is one of his most memorable roles. His performance, full of intensity and volatility, mirrors his earlier portrayal of Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas, showcasing his ability to play menacing characters with a balance of humor and aggression. Nicky’s unpredictability and violence are key elements in driving the plot toward its tragic conclusion.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Casino’s Cast

Casino remains a seminal film in the crime genre, with its unforgettable cast at the heart of its success. The performances of Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, Joe Pesci, and the rest of the cast elevate the film, making it a captivating exploration of greed, betrayal, and the dark side of the American dream.

The film’s powerful storytelling, compelling characters, and stellar performances continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying Casino as one of Martin Scorsese’s greatest works. The film’s legacy is a testament to the talent and dedication of its cast, who brought Scorsese’s vision to life with depth, emotion, and authenticity.

FAQs About Casino (1995) Cast

1. Who played Sam “Ace” Rothstein in Casino?
   • Robert De Niro played the role of Sam “Ace” Rothstein, the meticulous and intelligent casino manager.
2. Was Sharon Stone nominated for an award for her role in Casino?
   • Yes, Sharon Stone received a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Ginger McKenna.
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