‘Nonnas’ Interview: Lorraine Bracco and Brenda Vaccaro

Premiering on Netflix beginning May 9th is the new family comedy ‘Nonnas’, which was directed by Stephen Chbosky (‘Wonder’), and stars Vince Vaughn (‘Old School’), Susan Sarandon (‘Thelma & Louise’), Lorraine Bracco (‘Goodfellas’), Brenda Vaccaro (‘Midnight Cowboy’), and Talia Shire (‘The Godfather’).

Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Lorraine Bracco and Brenda Vaccaro about their work on ‘Nonnas’, Bracco’s first reaction to the screenplay, working with the all-star cast, the rivalry between Bracco and Vaccaro’s characters, collaborating with director Stephen Chbosky and screenwriter Liz Maccie on set, and Bracco’s experience acting opposite Vince Vaughn.

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Moviefone: To begin with, Lorraine, what was your first reaction to the screenplay, the true story it is based on, and working with the rest of this incredible cast?

Loraine Bracco: So, when I read the script, I loved it. I cried. I laughed. I wanted to be in the movie. The cast, I mean, it goes without saying. I have admired these women my whole life. They made great movies, great characters, great choices, so it was exciting.

MF: Brenda, can you talk about why Antonella does not like Roberta when they first meet, and what was it fun playing out that rivalry with Loraine?

Brenda Vaccaro: Oh my God, yes, because we never knew where we were going with it. Do you know what I’m saying? You never knew because, I mean, she would insult me, and I’d insult her, and I’d go, “What did we just do? Okay, we’re on that horse, are we?” So, I never knew when she was going to throw something at me, which I loved. It was great to work with her.

MF: Loraine, what was it like working with director Stephen Chbosky on this project?

LB: Stephen never said cut. He was enjoying the two of us go at it. That gave us the freedom to have just as good a time as they did when Liz wrote it and when he said, “Hey honey, we’re going to do this.” Do you know what I mean? It really was a loving family.

MF: Brenda, what was your experience like collaborating with director Stephen Chbosky and his wife, screenwriter Liz Maccie on set?

BV: His wife, Liz, when she would visit the set, she’d say, “It’s great. I love it.” So, they were permissive. They were giving.

MF: Finally, Loraine, can you talk about Roberta’s connection to Joe, and what it was like for you to work with Vince Vaughn?

LB: Well, I was very nervous, to be truthful, because I’d never really made a comedy. I didn’t even know where to start. I would look at Vince and be like, “Oh, God, what am I doing?” He would just tell me to calm down and trust myself. Even during the read-through, I would just turn to him with panic, and he’s like, “Loraine, you’re doing great. Trust me. Just believe. Make your choices and go for it.” He was very giving that way and totally helped me create Roberta. The fact that I was his mom’s best friend made our relationship very loving and caring.

What is the plot of ‘Nonnas’?

After losing his beloved mother, a man (Vince Vaughn) risks everything to honor her by opening an Italian restaurant with actual nonnas (grandmothers) as the chefs.

Who is in the cast of ‘Nonnas’?

(L to R) Lorraine Bracco as Roberta, Talia Shire as Teresa, Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella and Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella in ‘Nonnas’. Photo: Jeong Park/Netflix © 2025.

List of Movies and TV Shows Directed by Stephen Chbosky:

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