Lorraine Bracco, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Goodfellas,’ is embracing a new chapter in her life. At 70, she’s starring in Netflix’s ‘Nonnas,’ a comedy that sees her alongside other powerhouse actresses. In a recent interview, Bracco opens up about aging, career, and personal choices, offering insights into her journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
This article explores Bracco’s views on embracing her natural gray hair, her experiences in the entertainment industry, and her perspective on life, love, and happiness. It delves into her role in ‘Nonnas,’ her reflections on past achievements, and her advice for living a fulfilling life.
Lorraine Bracco on Embracing Gray Hair
After years of dyeing her hair brunette every three weeks, Lorraine Bracco decided to embrace her natural gray hair during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision, she says, has given her ‘a lot of hours back.’ She no longer spends countless hours in the salon, which she sees as a significant time-saving advantage. Bracco notes that people often stop her on the street to ask who colors her hair, and she responds, ‘The guy upstairs.’
Bracco’s decision reflects a broader trend of women embracing their natural beauty and rejecting societal pressures to maintain a youthful appearance. Her confidence in sporting her gray hair serves as an inspiration to others considering making a similar change.
In the interview, Bracco mentions,
‘Honestly, I stopped coloring it during COVID, and I had no idea what it was going to look like. So coming out of COVID — and the half dark, half gray, half whatever it was — I think I was pretty lucky.’
This quote encapsulates her relaxed and accepting attitude towards the aging process.
First Comedy Role in ‘Nonnas’
Lorraine Bracco’s role in ‘Nonnas’ marks her first foray into comedy. She shares that she felt vulnerable and relied on the support of Vince Vaughn and director Stephen Chbosky. Despite initial insecurities, she found the experience empowering, particularly working alongside veteran actresses such as Susan Sarandon, Talia Shire, and Brenda Vaccaro.
The movie centers on a group of Italian grandmothers who cook comfort food, providing a heartwarming and humorous narrative. Bracco expresses her adoration for her co-stars, highlighting the positive experience of working with such a talented group of women. Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and try comedy demonstrates her versatility and adaptability as an actress.
Bracco reflects on her experience, saying,
‘I liked that I was vulnerable to Vince Vaughn and to [director] Stephen Chbosky. I came in very humble — like, I’m not sure what I’m doing here. I think you’ve made a mistake — and they believed in me.’
This highlights her humility and openness to new challenges.
A Successful Career After 40
Bracco acknowledges that many actresses struggle to find substantial roles after the age of 40. However, her career has been an exception. She landed her role in ‘The Sopranos’ at 45, a testament to her talent and the industry’s evolving landscape. Looking back at her roles in ‘Goodfellas,’ ‘The Sopranos,’ and ‘Nonnas,’ she feels she’s maintained a good trajectory.
Despite her success, Bracco humorously mentions being ‘aggravated’ that her ‘Sopranos’ co-stars, James Gandolfini and Edie Falco, were younger than her. This lighthearted comment adds a touch of levity to her reflections on her career. She feels incredibly lucky and appreciates the opportunities she’s been given.
She notes,
‘I have been so incredibly lucky. I really have. When I think about it — and I look at myself in Goodfellas or in Sopranos and now Nonnas — I’m like, OK, you’re on a good track.’
This quote underscores her gratitude and satisfaction with her career path.
Personal and Professional Clarity
At 70, Lorraine Bracco has a clear understanding of what she wants, both personally and professionally. She emphasizes the importance of knowing what you don’t want as a starting point. Whether it’s work, love, friendship, or family, she believes that clarity is essential for achieving your goals. This self-awareness allows her to make informed decisions and pursue opportunities that align with her values.
Bracco’s confidence is something she describes as always being part of her personality. She admits to having vulnerable moments, such as feeling nervous at the beginning of ‘Nonnas,’ but she credits the support of her colleagues for helping her overcome these insecurities. Her big personality and self-assuredness have undoubtedly contributed to her success.
When asked about knowing what she wants, Bracco responds,
‘I’ll tell you: I know what I don’t want, so that’s a good place [to start]. I think that you have to know what you want to get it — no matter what it is. Whether it’s work or love or friendship or children, you have to know what you want to attain it.’
Lessons and Living with Fun
Early in her career, Bracco worked as a model in France. This experience taught her about auditions and rejection, skills that proved valuable when she transitioned to Hollywood. She acknowledges the differences between modeling and acting, but credits her commercial work with providing practical experience. Despite facing disappointments, she focuses on her achievements and expresses happiness with her life.
Bracco turned 70 in October and doesn’t particularly enjoy celebrating her own birthdays. Instead, she finds joy in celebrating her grandchildren’s milestones. She describes herself as a hands-on grandmother, spending time with her daughters and grandchildren in Los Angeles and Florida. She feels lucky to be in a ‘transient’ stage of life, allowing her to enjoy different experiences.
Reflecting on her life, Bracco shares,
‘I read that you made a deal with yourself at 50 to have “more fun, more fun, more fun.” Has that been easy to live up to? Yeah, I’m loving it. Listen — I feel good. I wake up every morning. I’m grateful to wake up.’
Romantic Relationships and Health
When it comes to romantic relationships, Bracco admits that she always appreciates ‘a good lover.’ She feels good about herself and remains open to a loving and accepting partner entering her life. She prioritizes her health and well-being, focusing on daily walks, sleep, and healthy eating. These practices contribute to her overall happiness and quality of life.
Bracco emphasizes the importance of health, stating,
‘Being healthy is really my No. 1 goal to attain every day. I try to walk every day. I try to get those steps in. It’s not always easy. I try to sleep. I try to eat [healthy]. I take care of myself.’
Renovating Her Sicily House
Lorraine Bracco renovated a house in Sicily, which was documented on HGTV. She tries to visit at least two to three times a year, though she may not make it this May-June due to her busy schedule. She plans to visit in September, October, and November, particularly for olive-picking season.
Conclusion: Embracing Life at Every Stage
Lorraine Bracco’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing life at every stage. From her successful acting career to her decision to embrace her natural gray hair, she inspires others to live authentically and pursue their dreams. Her experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating the challenges and opportunities of aging.
Bracco’s story reminds us to focus on our achievements, prioritize our health, and maintain a positive outlook on life. Whether it’s trying new things, cherishing relationships, or embracing personal choices, she encourages us to live fully and without apology. Her candidness and wisdom make her a role model for all generations.
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