Follow Italianism

Hello, what do you want to look for?

Art & Culture

5 protagonists of Netflix's 'Nonnas' have Italian ancestry

Did you know? The five protagonists of the Netflix film 'Nonnas' are of Italian origin.

From Sarandon to Vaughn: “Nonnas” protagonists have true Italian heritage | Photo: Netflix
From Sarandon to Vaughn: “Nonnas” protagonists have true Italian heritage | Photo: Netflix

The authenticity of Grandmothers, dramatic comedy which premiered on Netflix on May 9, goes beyond the script. All five protagonists of the film – Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire and Brenda Vaccaro – are Italian descendants in real life.

The Italian origin of the actors reinforces the cultural link with the history of movie, which pays homage to Italian grandparents and culinary traditions.

Vince Vaughn: Italian heritage on his mother's side

Interpreter of Joe Scaravella, in 'Nonnas', the main character, Vince Vaughn is the son of Sharon Eileen DePalmo. Born in Canada, Sharon is of Italian descent through her father, Georgio “George” DePalmo. Her father's family is from the Calabria region of southern Italy. Vince's mother also has English and Irish ancestry.

Vince Vaughn, in Nonnas | Photo: Netflix
Vince Vaughn | Photo: Netflix 

Susan Sarandon: Sicilian roots

Susan Sarandon, who plays one of her grandmothers at the Enoteca Maria restaurant, has Italian ancestry on her mother's side. Her maternal grandparents were immigrants from Ragusa, Sicily, and Coreglia Antelminelli, in the province of Lucca, Tuscany. The actress's real name is Susan Abigail Tomalin.

Susan Sarandon, in Nonnas | Photo: Netflix
Susan Sarandon | Photo: Netflix

Lorraine Bracco: Strong Italian-American Connection

Lorraine Bracco, known for roles linked to the Italian-American community, as in Soprano Family, is the daughter of an Italian father (of Sicilian origin) and an English mother. She grew up in New York, surrounded by Italian traditions, which influenced her artistic repertoire.

Lorraine Bracco, in Nonnas | Photo: John Angelillo/UPI
Lorraine Bracco | Photo: John Angelillo/UPI

Talia Shire, from 'Nonnas': from the Coppola family

Talia Shire, Born Talia Rose Coppola, she has Italian ancestry on both sides of her family. The daughter of Carmine Coppola and Italia Pennino, she is the sister of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and the aunt of actor Nicolas Cage. Her paternal grandparents emigrated from Bernalda in the Basilicata region, while her maternal grandfather, Francesco Pennino, was an Italian composer originally from Naples in Campania.

Talia Shire, in Nonnas | Photo: Netflix
Thalia Shire | Photo: Netflix 

Brenda Vaccaro: Italian-American childhood

ADVERTISING
Portuguese Citizenship: get yours here
A Blessed Citizenship will help you in your conquest.
Request a quote

Brenda vaccaro also has Italian roots. Her father, Mario Vaccaro, immigrated from Italy to the United States. She grew up in an environment influenced by Italian customs and values, which shaped her personal and professional development.

Brenda Vaccaro, in Nonnas | Photo: Netflix
Brenda Vaccaro | Photo: Netflix

Watch the official trailer in Portuguese:

Leave your comment:

Recommended for you

Made in Italy: Stars of the world

Hollywood star John Travolta has his roots in Sicily, in southern Italy.

Daily

Comites inaugurates headquarters in Porto Alegre with the presence of the Italian ambassador and the launch of the book “Andiamo via”, by Carlos Iotti.

Art & Culture

Based on a true story, “Nonnas” portrays a restaurant run by Italian grandmothers. Netflix premiere moves with humor and tradition.

Citizenship

Urgent mission in Rome tries to contain change in Italian citizenship decree.

Citizenship

Pope Leone XIV has Italian roots: his grandfather was born in the province of Turin in 1876.

Citizenship

Lawyer Giovanni Bonato warns of the legal setback embedded in the Tajani Decree.

Citizenship

Changes to Italian citizenship law are progressing in the Senate, but experts warn of possible violations of the Italian Constitution.

Italy in Brazil

Bento Gonçalves received the Italian ambassador at an event celebrating 150 years of Italian immigration to Brazil.

Citizenship

Meloni stated in the Senate that the Italian community in Latin America is the “best diplomatic network”.

Sports

Barcelona striker Raphinha said he was close to playing for Italy at Euro 2020, but his passport didn't arrive in time.

Eat and drink

According to research, 68% of Europeans, including Italians, make mistakes when storing and consuming traditional PDO mozzarella.

Citizenship

The government's strategy is to limit debate on Italian citizenship in the Chamber. The Senate is expected to vote between May 13 and 15.