Brenda Vaccaro, the legendary actress known for her iconic roles in films such as Midnight Cowboy, has recently turned 85 and is still going strong in her career. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Vaccaro shared insights into her life, her work, and her latest project, the Netflix film ‘Nonnas’. With a career spanning over half a century, Vaccaro exudes a youthful energy and enthusiasm, stating, “I really feel like I’m a kid.”
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Brenda-Vaccaro-1973-nonnas-050725-d4b9fbb54deb4994838c63d5acf6e5bf.jpg)
Vaccaro’s new film, Nonnas, features a star-studded cast including Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Vince Vaughn. The movie tells the true story of a man who hires grandmothers (nonnas) to cook in his restaurant kitchen instead of professional chefs. It explores themes of love, family, and second chances, sending a message of perseverance and resilience. Vaccaro expressed her excitement about the film, stating, “The whole idea is it’s never too late to start again. The message is ‘Why quit?’ Just keep going.”
Born in Brooklyn, Vaccaro embarked on her acting journey at a young age, studying at the Neighborhood Playhouse. She reminisced about working with legendary actors such as Robert Mitchum, whom she admired for his wisdom and sense of humor. Reflecting on her career milestones, she fondly remembered her role in Midnight Cowboy, a groundbreaking film that won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1969.
Vaccaro’s experience working with esteemed actors like Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight in Midnight Cowboy left a lasting impression on her. She shared anecdotes about filming memorable scenes, including a famous sex scene that was made more comfortable with the addition of a fox fur coat. Vaccaro’s career has been marked by collaborations with iconic figures in the entertainment industry, from Bea Arthur to Barbra Streisand, showcasing her versatility and talent.
In addition to her film work, Vaccaro also found success on television, including a memorable role as Gloria Tribbiani, Matt LeBlanc’s mother, on Friends. The actress reflected on her time on the show, highlighting the warmth and camaraderie she experienced with the cast and crew. Through her various projects, Vaccaro has endeared herself to audiences with her charm, wit, and timeless talent.
As she embraces this new chapter in her career with Nonnas, Vaccaro remains grounded in her roots and values. Returning to New York, where her journey began, she finds solace and inspiration in the city that shaped her. With a career marked by resilience, grace, and unwavering dedication, Brenda Vaccaro continues to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Nonnas is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a heartwarming and inspirational story brought to life by a stellar cast led by the incomparable Brenda Vaccaro. As the actress continues to defy expectations and break barriers in Hollywood, her legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the timeless art of cinema.