Lorraine Bracco is an American actress known for her outstanding work in Hollywood. Born in 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, she started her career as a model before pursuing her true passion – acting. In this article, we will take a closer look at Lorraine Bracco’s life and career in Hollywood.
Early Life and Career
Lorraine Braccio was born to a French mother and an Italian father in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents divorced when she was just two years old, and she was raised by her mother. Bracco attended the all-girls school Lourdes Academy in Brooklyn, where she was a cheerleader. After completing her studies, she moved to France to pursue a modeling career.
Modeling Career
In France, Bracco became a successful model, working for high-end fashion brands such as Chanel and Versace. She later moved to New York City, where she continued to model for several years. However, Bracco realized that her true passion lay in acting and decided to make the switch.
Acting Career
Bracco’s acting career began in the late 1970s, where she landed her first role in a French comedy film called “Duos sur canapé.” She continued to work in French films until she was noticed by Hollywood filmmakers.
Bracco’s breakthrough role came in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 classic “Goodfellas,” where she played the role of Karen Hill, the wife of the lead character Henry Hill. Her performance in the movie earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. After her success in “Goodfellas,” Bracco went on to act in several hit movies, including “The Basketball Diaries” and “Hackers.”
However, it was her role as Dr. Jennifer Melfi in the HBO television series “The Sopranos” that cemented Bracco’s status as a Hollywood star. The show was a huge success and went on to win several awards, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series. Bracco’s portrayal of a therapist treating a mob boss earned her two Emmy nominations for Best Supporting Actress.
Philanthropy
Apart from her acting career, Lorraine Bracco is also known for her philanthropic work. In 1997, she founded the Bracco Foundation, which supports various charitable causes, including cancer research, children’s rights, and mental health. In 2012, Bracco was awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honour by the French government for her contributions to the arts and philanthropy.
Personal Life
Lorraine Bracco has had her share of personal struggles. She has been very open about her battles with depression and anxiety and has used her experiences to help others. In 2015, she published her memoir “On the Couch,” where she talks about her struggles and how she overcame them.
Bracco has also been married twice. Her first marriage was to French artist Daniel Guerard, and they have a daughter together. Her second marriage was to actor Edward James Olmos, but they divorced after two years of marriage.
Current Projects
Lorraine Bracco continues to act in movies and television shows. In recent years, she has appeared in hit shows such as “Blue Bloods” and “Mindhunter.” Bracco is also set to star in the upcoming movie “The Birthday Cake,” which is scheduled to release in 2021.
Conclusion
Lorraine Bracco’s life and career in Hollywood have been remarkable. From a successful modeling career to an accomplished actress, Bracco has shown that hard work and determination can lead to great success. Her philanthropic work and willingness to talk about her personal struggles have made her a role model for many.Â
