Pavese was often typically cast as villains in dramatic or adventure films.

In addition to working as a screen actor, Pavese was also a popular dubbing artist.

[3] He usually dubbed the voices of James Cagney, Steve Cochran, Albert Dekker, Bruce Cabot, Anthony Caruso, Conrad Veidt, and many more in most of their films.

He also dubbed his brother's voice in the 1954 film Farewell, My Beautiful Lady.

In his animated roles, Pavese voiced George Darling in the Italian dub of Peter Pan.