What is Lorraine Bracco's Net Worth?
Lorraine Bracco, an American actress, boasts a net worth of $14 million. She is perhaps most renowned for her iconic role in "The Sopranos," but her career spans numerous diverse film and television projects. Beginning as a model, she transitioned to acting, initially appearing in Italian-language films in the 1980s, including "Camorra." Her shift to English-speaking roles saw her in movies like "The Pick-Up Artist" and "The Dream Team."
Her true Hollywood breakthrough arrived in 1990 with Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas," where she portrayed the wife of an Italian mobster. This role earned her multiple nominations, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Throughout her career, she has also received four Emmy nominations, three additional Golden Globe nominations, and three Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
In 1999, her career reached another milestone when she joined the cast of "The Sopranos," widely considered one of the greatest TV series of all time. Playing psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi, she remained a key figure until the series finale in 2007. Post "The Sopranos," Bracco continued her acting journey, most notably in the TV series "Blue Bloods."
Early Years
Lorraine Bracco was born on October 2, 1954, in New York City. Raised in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn with two siblings, Bracco grew up in an Italian household and spoke Italian from a young age. She spent her early years in Brooklyn before moving to Hicksville, Long Island, in fourth grade. Her sister, Elizabeth, also pursued an acting career, and the duo later appeared together in "The Sopranos."
Two years post-high school, Bracco moved to France in the mid-70s to pursue modeling, working extensively with Jean-Paul Gaultier. During her decade in France, she took on minor roles in various French films primarily for financial reasons, finding the experience "boring." It was only after starting acting lessons that her interest in acting grew, despite initial doubts about her capabilities.
Career
Bracco's career began to gain traction in the 80s. She worked as a DJ for Radio Luxembourg and appeared in the TV series "Crime Story." Her first significant film role came in 1986 with "Camorra," directed by Lina Wertmüller, convincing her to fully commit to acting professionally.
Over the next few years, she showcased her acting skills in films such as "The Pick-Up Artist," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Sing," and "Sea of Love." Her breakout role in "Goodfellas" came in 1990, where she played Karen, the lead character's wife. This performance garnered widespread critical acclaim and an array of awards, solidifying the film as a timeless classic.
The subsequent decade saw Bracco take on various roles in movies such as "Talent for the Game," "Switch," "Medicine Man," "Radio Flyer," "Traces of Red," and "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues." By the mid-90s, she continued to appear in films like "Being Human," "The Basketball Diaries," and "Hackers," with the latter achieving cult classic status despite initial box office disappointment. Although she was offered the role of Catwoman in Tim Burton's "Batman Returns," she declined the part.
In 1999, she auditioned for "The Sopranos," initially reading for the role of Carmela Soprano but securing the role of psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi after convincing producer David Chase. Her performance earned her three consecutive Emmy nominations. Following "The Sopranos," Bracco continued to star in shows like "Dice" and "Blue Bloods."
Relationships
In 1979, while living in France, Bracco married Daniel Guerard, with whom she had one child before their divorce in 1982. She is also known for a 12-year relationship with actor Harvey Keitel, which resulted in a child and a bitter custody battle, costing Bracco over $2 million in legal fees. In 1994, she married Edward James Olmos, but the marriage ended in 2002 after eight years.
Real Estate
In 2020, it was reported that Lorraine Bracco had purchased a house in Italy for merely one euro. The 200-year-old home was in a dilapidated state, missing essentials like running water, electricity, a kitchen, and a functioning toilet. Bracco embarked on a renovation project for an upcoming HGTV series documenting her "Italian adventure."
