Although born in Brooklyn, Bracco first found success as a fashion model on the runways of Paris in the '70s. She had just a handful of European film appearances on her résumé when she embarked on her Hollywood career. With her handsome beauty and pronounced Noo Yawk accent, the actress often portrayed tough, long-suffering wives (
Someone to Watch Over Me, her flashy, Oscar-nominated turn in
Goodfellas), a role she played off screen as well, with an expensive and drawn-out child-custody battle with her ex-husband, actor Harvey Keitel, and an acrimonious split from her next spouse, Edward James Olmos. In the '90s, a series of disastrous projects (the inane
Medicine Man, the tepid neo-noir
Traces of Red) hurt her reputation and, along with her advancing age, relegated her to supporting parts. But in 1999, the voluptuous player accepted her first regular TV role on
The Sopranos, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nods — and legions of new fans — for her layered portrayal of a mobster's psychiatrist.
Lorraine Bracco Fast Facts:
- Although she was voted the ugliest girl in sixth grade, in the '70s she moved to Paris and became a fashion model for the Wilhelmina Agency.
- Early in her modeling career, turned down an offer to pose nude for surrealist artist Salvador Dali.
- Studied acting at the Actors Studio in New York City.
- In her breakthrough 1990 movie, director Martin Scorsese's Goodfellas, her real-life daughters, Stella Keitel and Margaux Guerard, portrayed her character's daughter at different ages.
- Was originally offered the role of Carmela Soprano on The Sopranos, but opted to play Dr. Jennifer Melfi instead.
- Made her Broadway debut in 2002, taking over the role of Mrs. Robinson from Kathleen Turner in The Graduate.
- Launched her own wine label in 2005.
- Lorraine Bracco Relationships:
- Daniel Guerard - Ex-husband
- Edward James Olmos - Ex-husband
- Elizabeth Bracco - Sister
- Harvey Keitel - Ex-husband
- Margaux Guerard - Daughter
- Sal Bracco - Father
- Sal Bracco Jr. - Brother
- Sheila Bracco - Mother
- Stella Keitel - Daughter
- Lorraine Bracco Awards:
- 1991 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture - Nominee
- 2000 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama - Nominee
- 2001 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama - Nominee
- 2002 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama - Nominee
- 1999 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Nominee
- 2000 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Nominee
- 2001 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Nominee
- 1990 Oscar: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Nominee
- 2007 Emmy: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series - Nominee
