Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Lorraine Bracco played the role of the defensive but empathetic Dr. Jennifer Melfi inThe Sopranos. Tasked with giving therapy to a mafia boss, Dr. Melfi has to maintain her composure and not judge the moral ethics of her client’s line of work while also helping him. Her on-screen co-star James Gandolfini played the boss Tony Soprano.
Bracco’s performance inThe Sopranoswas highly appreciated at the time. She received Primetime Emmy nominations four times, with thrice for Outstanding Lead Actress. She also received a Golden Globe nomination thrice. However, Bracco mentioned that playing Dr. Melfi was one of the most difficult roles in her career.
Lorraine Bracco had to change a lot of herself while playing Dr. Jennifer Melfi inThe Sopranos
Before playing Tony Soprano’s therapist inThe Sopranos,Lorraine Braccostarred inGoodfellasas Karen Hill, the wife of Ray Liotta’s Henry Hill. The Martin Scorsese directorial got her a nomination for an Academy Award and the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. The film itself is considered to be one of the best of all time.
James Gandolfini’s One Regret About The Sopranos: “I’ll make a conscious effort after this is over” to Correct That
After playing a mob wife, Bracco was naturally the first choice for many other crime films. However, she played the therapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi in David Chase’s phenomenal HBO showThe Sopranos. The show saw her treating mob boss Tony Soprano (played by James Gandolfini) for his anxiety and giving him a different perspective on relationships and life.
It was a tricky role to play, with Dr. Melfi having to protect her client’s confidentiality while also dealing with theethical ramifications of his confessions, all while remaining empathetic to his problems. However, Bracco reportedly found another aspect difficult to play. She toldVanity Fair,
I was not ready for how fcking difficult Dr. Melfi was to play. I am an explosive girl. I am loud. I am full of life and full of all kinds of bullsit, and I have to sit on every emotion, every word, everything, to play this character. I mean, I had to suck the life out of myself to play her. I mean, I don’t think Dr. Melfi ever smiled.
Bracco also mentioned that she wanted the character to be repressed and sad (which was unlike her own persona) while also being defensive against Tony’s outbursts. The actress expertly navigated the complex character and received appreciation for her performance.
Lorraine Bracco was initially approached for a different role inThe Sopranos
After the success ofGoodfellas, Lorraine Bracco was reportedly offered many similar roles of a mob wife in other crime dramas. The actress had given such a convincing performance inMartin Scorsese’s Best Picture nomineethat she was in danger of being typecast. However, Bracco decided to not read for those roles.
“You better bring your f—king A-game”: ‘The Sopranos’ Star Who Paid Dearly for Challenging James Gandolfini in Show’s Brutal Fight Scene
So, whenThe Sopranoscame to her, she reportedly said that she would not be going for Carmela Soprano, the wife of Tony because it was yet another mob wife. She said,
After doing GoodFellas, I was offered every Mafia gal, girl, wife, mistress, daughter available. And I said to them, ‘No, I don’t want to do that. I did it. Can’t do it better.’ I called up my agent the day before I’m going in to meet David, and I go, ‘I don’t want Carmela—I want Dr. Melfi.’
The role of Carmela eventually went to Edie Falco, who played the role to perfection. She won the Primetime Emmys thrice for her performance inThe Sopranosand won two Golden Globes.
The Sopranosis available to stream on Max.
Nishanth A
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2415
Nishanth A is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 2,000 articles published. He has been an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a scriptwriter at various corporations before that, working on educational content. With a Communications, English Literature, and Psychology triple major, Nishanth usually covers news and analyses on Star Trek, particularly Strange New Worlds and The Next Generation; Doctor Who, the DCU, and more.A Nolan fan, Nishanth spends his time exploring the filmographies of various directors with an auteurial style or can be found making short movies of his own. He has also contributed as a feature writer for Film Companion, focusing on the South division.
More from Nishanth A
5 Bella Ramsey Performances So Good, You’ll Forget ‘The Last of Us’ Controversy
What Is Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7 About? ‘What Is Starfleet’ – Everything We Know
10 Wild Facts About Stan Lee’s Favorite DC Hero Coming to James Gunn’s DCU
Recommended
Anya Taylor-Joy and Meryl Streep Circling Same Role In Cameron Crowe’s Next Big Bet: Reports
What Did Justin Baldoni Say to Isabela Ferrer? Alarming Revelation in Blake Lively’s Lawsuit
‘Gintama’ Creator Admits New Movie Is “A tool for dirty adults to make a quick buck”
Nice’s Return Just Gave ‘To Be Hero X’ Its Highest-Rated Episode of the Season
Sakamoto Days Part 2 Episode 8: Release Date, Spoilers and What to Expect
All LinkedIn Games Solutions for Today (June 18, 2025)
Lorraine Bracco
