Tough love.
Those two words are something Jane Rizzoli and her brother Frankie know all too well. Their mom, Angela Rizzoli, wasn't the nicest, but she loved her children and wanted the best for them. Played by Lorraine Bracco, the character easily became a favorite of devoted fans of the series.
Bracco was a high fashion model in the Eighties in France, and then she kicked off her acting journey, playing some amazing roles that defined her career.
Here are the actress' most known roles. Have you seen all of these?
Angela Rizzoli
Show: Rizzoli & Isles, 2010-2016
Who is the character? Jane and Frankie Rizzoli's tough-love mom.
How many episodes was the character in? As a series regular and one of the main cast members, Angela Rizzoli appeared in every episode of Rizzoli & Isles.
Fun fact: This was Lorraine Bracco's first comedic role.
Jennifer Melfi
Show: The Sopranos, 1999-2007
Who is the character? Melfi is a psychiatrist.
How many episodes was the character in? She was in 71 of the 85 episodes.
Fun fact: The show's executive producer, David Chase, wanted Bracco to audition for the role of Carmela Soprano; however, the actress wanted to try something new. So, she was drawn to the character Jennifer Melfi.
Karen Hill
Movie: Goodfellas, 1990
Who is the character? The wife of Henry Hill, who, through her husband, became involved with the American Mafia.
Role importance? She was a supporting character.
Fun fact: The role earned Bracco both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
Mrs. Carroll
Movie: The Basketball Diaries, 1995
Who is the character? Mrs. Carroll is Jim Carroll's mom. Jim is the main character played by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Role importance: She's one of the main characters.
Fact: There was a lot of controversy and lawsuits surrounding this film as it supposedly influenced major crimes.
Dr. Rae Crane
Movie: Medicine Man, 1992.
Who is the character? Crane is a biochemist sent to the Amazonian rainforest to locate researcher Robert Campbell after his wife and research partner abandoned him.
Role importance? She was one of the main characters, alongside Sean Connery.
Fact: Bracco and Connery voiced their concerns about conditions on set for this film.
Margaret Dutton
Show: Blue Bloods, 2010 - (still on air today)
Who is the character? Dutton is a Mayor.
How many episodes was the character in? Six episodes from 2017-2018.
Fun fact: Bracco snagged this role a year after Rizzoli & Isles ended.
Narrator
Show: I Married A Mobster, 2011-2012
What is the role? Bracco did the narration for season one of this show.
How many episodes did she narrate? She narrated ten episodes.
Watch Rizzoli & Isles on Start TV
Fridays at 11 AM - 4 PM, Every day at 4 PM & 9 PM Central