Lorraine Bracco is an acclaimed American actress. She gained fame for her role as psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi in HBO’s The Sopranos.
She began her career as a model in France before transitioning to acting, with notable performances in films like Medicine Man and The Basketball Diaries.
Bracco has also appeared in the series Rizzoli & Isles and has been open about her struggles with depression.
Siblings
Lorraine has a sister named Elizabeth Bracco, who is also an actress.
Elizabeth is best known for her role as Marie Spatafore, the wife of FBI agent Harris Spatafore, in the critically acclaimed series The Sopranos.
Her character adds significant depth to the show, showcasing the personal lives of law enforcement officers involved in the complex mob storyline.
In addition to her work on The Sopranos, Elizabeth has appeared in various films, including The Jersey Shore and The Last Goodbye.
Throughout their careers, Lorraine and Elizabeth have maintained a close relationship, often highlighting the support they provide each other in navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry.
Lorraine also has a brother named Salvatore Bracco Jr., who is less publicly known compared to his sisters.
Career
Bracco began her journey in the entertainment world as a model in France during the late 1970s.
Her striking looks and charisma helped her secure various modeling gigs, but she soon realized her passion lay in acting.
She made her English-language film debut in The Pick-up Artist, starring alongside Robert Downey Jr. This initial role opened doors for her in Hollywood.
Bracco’s breakthrough came with Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, where she portrayed Karen Hill, the wife of mobster Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta.
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Her performance was critically acclaimed, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Perhaps her most iconic role is that of Dr. Jennifer Melfi in HBO’s groundbreaking series The Sopranos.
As a psychiatrist treating mob boss Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini, Bracco brought depth and complexity to her character.
Her portrayal earned her three Primetime Emmy Award nominations and multiple Golden Globe nominations.
Following The Sopranos, Bracco continued to thrive in television and film.
She starred as Angela Rizzoli in the TNT series Rizzoli & Isles, which became a popular procedural drama.
Her character was a strong matriarch, showcasing her ability to portray multifaceted women.
In addition to her work on screen, Bracco has lent her voice to various projects, including animated films and video games.
Awards and accolades
Bracco has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, reflecting her talent and impact in the entertainment industry.
She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Karen Hill in Goodfellas.
In addition to this prestigious nomination, she has won several awards, including the Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Bracco’s work on The Sopranos earned her significant recognition.
She received four Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Dr. Jennifer Melfi, along with multiple Golden Globe nominations, winning the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 2002.
Her contributions to film and television have also been recognized by organizations like the Screen Actors Guild, where she has received nominations.
In 2012, Bracco was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, further cementing her legacy in the industry.