Lorraine Bracco has been an actor for over three decades, featuring in films like Goodfellas and The Sopranos. Additionally, she is a TV personality and the author of several books detailing her journey towards health and happiness.

She recently experienced the loss of both her parents within nine days, prompting her to prioritize self-care. Working together with health coach Lisa Davis, she successfully shed 35 pounds and has maintained those results.

The Sopranos

In January 1999, The Sopranos premiered on HBO and quickly became a ratings success. This mafia drama deconstructed the world of organized crime like no other series had before; it provided insight into its inner workings that no other series had done before.

James Gandolfini’s Tony Soprano, one of the show’s main characters, was a complex antihero with an emotional baggage. However, his character growth and exploration of mental health issues became iconic elements within the show.

The Sopranos’ groundbreaking approach to mafia culture, its exploration of mental health issues and intricate storytelling are still highly praised today. As a result, The Sopranos continues to inspire an entire new generation of shows and films.

Lorraine Bracco, who played Melfi in The Sopranos, was well aware of the influence the show had on her career. Through her acting skills, she was able to bring out the depth of her character and won several awards for it.

Rizzoli & Isles

Rizzoli & Isles marked the start of a new era in crime shows with female detectives solving cases without assistance from partners. It marked an evolution from traditional detective shows that relied on male partners for solving cases.

Rizzoli, a tough Bostonian detective, and her medical examiner friend Maura Isles worked together to catch murderers in their tracks. Their chemistry was palpable and the two actresses made for strong characters who were really good friends offscreen as well.

Bracco’s career began with the hit HBO series The Sopranos and she quickly gained notoriety during its early seasons. She later appeared as a character on TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles, BBC comedy Jerk, and will soon lend her voice to Disney’s Pinocchio movie.

In 2013, Bracco’s former husband James Gandolfini passed away, serving as a final wake-up call that spurred her on to change course in life. She’s currently featured in an HGTV documentary about her renovation of an 200 year-old EUR1 Italian villa.

Mental Health Advocacy

Lorraine Braccio has achieved great success in addition to her acting career, becoming an outspoken mental health advocate. She strongly believes in the significance of mental health awareness and has even written a book about her own battle with depression.

She is an enthusiastic supporter of Pfizer’s antidepressant drug, Zoloft. Recently, she shared her personal struggles with depression on the television program Sharing Miracles which airs across more than 300 stations around the world.

Mental health advocates are an invaluable asset to those struggling with mental illness or addictions. By sharing their stories, shattering stigmas, and offering hope to those in need, these advocates help raise awareness.

Advocate organizations are essential in countries with little or no mental health policy. They help governments create progressive laws and regulations that will benefit individuals living with mental illness, as well as assist those who face discrimination or abuse to assert their rights and secure justice for them.

Family

Lorraine Bracco was raised in Brooklyn by a loving family that enjoyed gathering for large meals, wine and laughs. With deep Italian-American roots, Lorraine eventually moved to Paris at 16 years old.

While working as a model and actress, she became involved in the French film industry. Lina Wertmuller gave her a role in her 1986 movie Camorra, and shortly after that marriage occurred to renowned actor Harvey Keitel.

She has starred in several movies, such as Someone to Watch Over Me and Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas. Additionally, she has appeared on various television shows like Rizzoli & Isles and Jerk.

In 2011, after her parents passed away nine days apart, she took her health seriously and sought the advice of a doctor to get back on track. As part of that journey, she wrote the book To the Fullest about it all – sharing how she managed to shed 35 pounds within one year! It serves as proof of her determination to overcome obstacles and find healthier living methods.