Lorraine Bracco on Netflix’s Nonnas, Silver Hair and Finding Joy at 70

Before she portrayed the insightful Dr. Melfi on The Sopranos, Lorraine Bracco was unforgettable as Karen Hill in Goodfellas. Now, the Golden Globe- and Oscar-nominated actress is back in the spotlight—this time in Netflix’s heartfelt comedy Nonnas, debuting May 9. At 70, Here, Woman’s World sat down with Lorraine for a cover exclusive (get your copy here) to catch up on life, Italian cooking and finding simple joys.

Lorraine Bracco goes from Goodfellas to grandma

In her new show Nonnas, Lorraine plays Roberta, one of three grandmothers hired by Vince Vaughn’s character to cook traditional Italian meals in a New York café.

“It’s a warm, lovely, heartfelt look at older women who feel they’re not worthy anymore,” Lorraine says. “Three grandmothers are hired as chefs, and I was the only one who really knew how to cook,” she laughs. “I showed them how to cook garlic and add it to the sauce the way my mother used to do it.”

The film, based on the real story of Staten Island restaurateur Joe Scaravella, blends family, food and community—three themes close to Lorraine’s heart.

Lorraine Bracco talks simple living: ‘I’m thrilled that I can call my kids’ 

Now living peacefully in a home overlooking a lake, Lorraine starts each day with appreciation.

“I’m thrilled to be alive,” she says. “I’m thrilled that I can grow tomatoes. I’m thrilled that I can pick up the phone and call my kids. The first thing I do every morning is thank the gods that I’m alive and well.”

But life hasn’t always been easy for the actress, who has weathered personal and professional ups and downs.

“I’ve lost my self-confidence, gained it, lost it… worked on it,” she says. “But with my work and my kids, I’ve been very, very lucky. We’ve gone through our ups and downs, but we’ve bounced back.”

As a single mom for much of her daughters’ lives, Lorraine considers her greatest success to be her family. “That was a full-time job with a lot of responsibility. Success to me is in my family.”

Entertainment

‘St. Denis Medical’ Wendi McLendon-Covey Shares Her Secret to Confidence

Wendi McLendon-Covey has been a powerhouse in comedy for decades, bringing unforgettable characters to life across television and film. She first gained widespread recognition as the scene-stealing Deputy Clementine Johnson in the cult favorite Reno 911!, followed by her hilarious turn as the bride’s jaded cousin in the smash hit Bridesmaids. For ten seasons, she […]

From Brooklyn to Paris: Lorraine’s bold and beautiful journey

Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, Lorraine moved to France in her 20s and spent a decade as a high-fashion model for Jean-Paul Gaultier. She acted in two French films—reluctantly at first.

“I thought I was a terrible actress,” she admits. “I did it for the money.” Eventually, acting won her over, and training seminars and small roles reignited her passion.

She married a Frenchman and had daughter, Margaux Guerard, and later had daughter, Stella Keitel, with actor Harvey Keitel. Lorraine was also married to actor Edward James Olmos for eight years.

Today, she proudly embraces her role as “Flower” to her grandchildren.

“My daughter asked what I wanted to be called when I became a grandmother,” Lorraine recalls. “I said no to grandma or nana. I remembered watching Bambi—when the skunk says, ‘My name is Flower.’ That’s where it came from.”

Lorraine Bracco’s tips for a joy-filled life

1. Let natural beauty shine

Lorraine swears by a minimalist approach to skincare. “I wash my face at night, brush my teeth with Listerine toothpaste, put on a little moisturizer and I’m done.”

She’s used La Mer face cream for years and swears by Bobbi Brown’s oil cleanser. During the Covid pandemic, she made the switch to natural silver hair. “I love not having to spend hours in the salon.”

Entertainment

Marion Ross Reflects on ‘Happy Days’ and Her Iconic 65-Year Career

There’s no question that Marion Ross holds the title of one of America’s favorite TV moms, thanks to her portrayal of Marion Cunningham — lovingly referred to as “Mrs. C” by the Fonz — on Happy Days. That was, of course, only one step along the way in a remarkable career that has spanned some […]

2. Garden for calm and connection

“I pick fresh herbs every morning after I say good morning to my two dogs,” Lorraine says. Her favorites? Basil, rosemary, thyme. She also grows cucumbers, Japanese eggplant and zucchini.

“It’s kind of relaxing. I like getting my hands dirty.” She even keeps a small herb garden in her kitchen. Her granddaughter, however, keeps sneaking green tomatoes. “Her basket is always full of them!”

3. Stay active at your own pace

Lorraine has traded karate for gardening and long walks.

Deal of the Day

This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal

“I’m a walker. I have a step counter on my phone to track how many steps I’ve done. Sure, at 70 you get achy sometimes—but I still want to do things, I want to be energetic and happy. I’m not dead yet” she adds with a laugh.  

4. Cook and connect with loved ones

“My mantra for a simple life is ‘more fun,’ and fun for me is cooking for the people I love. What’s more pleasurable than to give people food?” she asks. “When people come to my home and say they feel comfortable—that’s a lovely compliment. I guess I’m a nurturer, whatever that is.”

Stream ‘Nonnas’ on Netflix, starting May 9

Watch Lorraine Bracco return to her roots in Nonnas, a funny, feel-good tribute to grandmothers, good food and second chances. “This film absolutely combines family, friends and community,” she says. And with Lorraine in the kitchen? You know it’ll be made with love—and garlic.