At 70, Lorraine Bracco, renowned for her roles in iconic films and series, is embracing life with a renewed spirit, reflecting on her past while preparing for her future. The actress, celebrated for her performances in Goodfellas and The Sopranos, recently opened up about how childhood bullying has shaped her self-image and her journey through the ups and downs of her career.
In a heartfelt essay for the Wall Street Journal, Bracco recounted a painful memory from her sixth-grade days, revealing that her classmates once voted her the "ugliest girl in sixth grade." This cruel remark has haunted her ever since. "One day, kids on the school bus told me something that stuck with me for life. They said they had voted me the ugliest girl in sixth grade," she wrote. "Can you imagine? I was in shock. It was horrible and devastating — a deep wound," she added, recalling the tears that followed. Her father, recognizing her distress, comforted her with words that would resonate throughout her life: "I don’t care about them. You’re the most beautiful girl in the world to me."
Despite the trauma of those childhood insults, Bracco found solace and strength in her love for performing. "School was challenging socially," she admitted, but participating in school plays provided her with an essential outlet for expression. After graduating high school, she signed with Wilhelmina Models and moved to Paris, where she spent a decade modeling for designer Jean Paul Gaultier.
Bracco's journey into acting began in earnest in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as she starred in French films and television shows. Her breakout role came in 1990 when she portrayed Karen Hill in Goodfellas, a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Following this success, she was cast as therapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi in the critically acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos, a role that garnered her both Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.
Now, Bracco is back in the spotlight with her latest project, the Netflix film Nonnas, which debuted on May 9, 2025. In this heartfelt comedy, she plays Roberta, one of three grandmothers hired by Vince Vaughn's character to cook traditional Italian meals in a New York café. "It’s a warm, lovely, heartfelt look at older women who feel they’re not worthy anymore," Bracco described the film, which is based on the true story of Staten Island restaurateur Joe Scaravella. "Three grandmothers are hired as chefs, and I was the only one who really knew how to cook," she added, humorously noting her culinary expertise.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Bracco has also navigated personal challenges, including a significant relationship with actor Harvey Keitel. After their breakup, she reflected on a year lost to depression, offering advice to others facing similar struggles: "Get a good doctor, get diagnosed, and know that pharmacology works — don’t be afraid of it. The stigma of it stopped me at first. Stupid. And talk therapy is major. You’re worth it, you’re worth having a good day, every day."
Today, Bracco finds joy in simple pleasures, living in a home that overlooks a lake. "I’m thrilled to be alive," she said, emphasizing her gratitude for life and the small things, such as growing tomatoes and connecting with her children. Her love for gardening serves as a form of therapy, allowing her to cultivate not just plants but also a sense of calm and connection. "I pick fresh herbs every morning after I say good morning to my two dogs," she shared, mentioning her favorite herbs and vegetables like basil, rosemary, cucumbers, and zucchini.
As a grandmother, Bracco has embraced her role with affection, choosing to be called "Flower" by her grandchildren, a name inspired by a character in the classic film Bambi. "That was my choice; I wanted something different from grandma or nana," she explained. This nurturing spirit extends to her cooking, as she relishes in preparing meals for her loved ones, believing that sharing food is one of life’s greatest joys. "When people come to my home and say they feel comfortable—that’s a lovely compliment. I guess I’m a nurturer, whatever that is," she expressed.
Bracco's zest for life is palpable, as she continues to pursue her passions, whether it’s acting, gardening, or simply enjoying time with her family. "I’m a walker. I have a step counter on my phone to track how many steps I’ve done. Sure, at 70 you get achy sometimes—but I still want to do things, I want to be energetic and happy. I’m not dead yet," she quipped, showcasing her vibrant personality.
With her career thriving and her personal life blossoming, Lorraine Bracco stands as a testament to resilience and the power of self-acceptance. As she continues to share her story and inspire others, her journey reflects the importance of embracing one's true self and finding strength in vulnerability. Watch Lorraine Bracco return to her roots in Nonnas, a film that beautifully combines family, friends, and community, all made with love—and plenty of garlic.
