When I was younger, I used to think it was ridiculous that Joe Pesci's character caused so much fear and intimidation.
But now that I am older and know more about the mafia, I am shocked to discover that some of the most feared men in the mafia have been tiny; Galante, Casso, Gravano, Scarfo...
So it obviously isn't that far fetched.
Although Pesci's real-life counterpart was way younger, way taller and more handsome.