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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

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

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