Victor Magnotta, a close friend and esteemed companion of renowned film director Martin Scorsese, shared a significant academic connection, having attended New York University alongside his esteemed mentor.
Initially, Magnotta had aspirations to pursue a career in the clergy, with a strong desire to become a priest. However, the outbreak of the Vietnam War led him to take a different path, and he joined the elite Special Forces, where he gained valuable combat experience.
Following his military service, Magnotta transitioned into the world of stunt work, becoming a skilled and accomplished professional in the field. His impressive resume boasted a wide range of credits, with appearances in nearly all of Scorsese's films.
One particularly notable anecdote surrounding Magnotta's work with Scorsese revolves around the iconic "mohawk" hairstyle featured in the 1976 film "Taxi Driver". According to reports, the idea for this striking visual element originated during a dinner conversation between Magnotta, Scorsese, and Robert De Niro. De Niro, intrigued by Magnotta's Vietnam War experiences and his time in the Special Forces, inquired about the significance of the "mohawk" haircut, which Magnotta explained was a symbol of fearlessness and intimidation among soldiers.
This conversation allegedly sparked De Niro's inspiration to incorporate the "mohawk" into the film, which has since become an enduring symbol of the character Travis Bickle.
Tragically, Victor Magnotta met his untimely demise while performing a stunt for the 1987 film "Orphans".
