Living in France for a decade starting in 1974, Lorraine Bracco transitioned from a career as a fashion model for Jean-Paul Gaultier to an internationally recognized actor. Born in Brooklyn in 1954 and educated at Hicksville High School, she navigated a multifaceted career across film and television, marked by high-profile dramatic roles and recurring television performances.
Early Career and Training
Bracco began her professional life modeling in France. Her initial forays into film, including the 1979 production Duos sur canapé, provided early exposure to the industry. Following training seminars with John Strasberg, she pursued acting more seriously. Her early experience included work as a disc jockey for Radio Luxembourg and a role in the Italian film Camorra, directed by Lina Wertmüller.
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The 1990 film Goodfellas served as the significant turning point in Bracco's career, where she portrayed Karen Hill. This performance earned her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. She subsequently demonstrated her range in diverse projects such as Someone to Watch Over Me, The Basketball Diaries, and Hackers, establishing herself as a versatile performer in American cinema.
The Sopranos and Television Work
For the HBO drama series The Sopranos, Bracco successfully campaigned for the role of psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi rather than the role of Carmela Soprano. This choice resulted in multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Following the conclusion of the series, she continued to work in television, appearing as Angela Rizzoli in 105 episodes of Rizzoli & Isles and taking on recurring roles in series such as Dice and Blue Bloods.
Diversified Projects
Bracco has engaged in various professional pursuits beyond traditional acting. She founded Bracco Wines and has appeared as a guest judge on culinary programs, including Top Chef and Throwdown! with Bobby Flay. In 2020, she documented the renovation of a house in Sambuca di Sicilia for the HGTV series My Big Italian Adventure, and she later provided a voice role in the 2022 film Pinocchio.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Brooklyn, New York
- Education: Hicksville High School
- Notable Role: Jennifer Melfi, The Sopranos
- Film Debut: Duos sur canapé (1979)
- Voice Work: Sofia the Seagull, Pinocchio (2022)
- Citizenship: United States
- Award: Screen Actors Guild Award (2000, 2008)
Questions readers ask
What was Lorraine Bracco's breakout role?
Her breakout role was playing Karen Hill in the 1990 Martin Scorsese film Goodfellas.
Did she always want to play Dr. Melfi in The Sopranos?
Yes. While the producers initially asked her to audition for Carmela Soprano, she read the script and insisted on playing Jennifer Melfi.
Achievements
- Notable work: Pinocchio
- Educated at Hicksville High School
- Worked as actor, model and film director
