Lorraine Bracco was first seen in the 1979 feature film 'Duos sur Canapé' where she played the role of ‘Bubble.’ The following year, she made her TV debut in the French television series ‘Commissaire Moulin.’ In 1987, she starred as ‘Carla’ in the American romantic comedy-drama film ‘The Pick-up Artist.’ The film received somewhat mixed reviews from critics. After starring in films like ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ (1987), 'Sing' (1989), ‘The Dream Team’ (1989), and ‘Sea of Love’ (1989), she got her breakthrough role as ‘Karen Friedman Hill’ in the American biographical crime film ‘Goodfellas.’ She received wide acclaim for her performance and even bagged ‘Academy Award’ and ‘Golden Globe Award’ nominations.
In 1999, she joined the cast of the crime drama series 'The Sopranos' as ‘Dr. Jennifer Melfi.’ The role, which she herself chose to play despite being offered the lead role, won her three consecutive 'Golden Globe Award' and 'Emmy Award' nominations. Bracco remained a part of the show till it went off-air in 2007. She went on to star in television series like ‘Law & Order: Trial by Jury’ (2005), ‘Lipstick Jungle’ (2008), and ‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’ (2010). In 2010, she grabbed a lead role in the American crime drama series ‘Rizzoli & Isles.’ The series aired its final episode in September 2016.
Bracco appeared as ‘Mayor Margaret Dutton’ in the police procedural drama television series ‘Blue Bloods’ in 2017. She remained a part of the show till 2018. She was last seen in the American crime thriller film ‘The Birthday Cake’ directed by Jimmy Giannopoulos. The film received mixed reviews from critics. She is all set to appear in the upcoming American live-action-CGI animated musical fantasy drama film ‘Pinocchio.’ The film will see its release in late 2022.