The Full Cast Of 'Nonnas' On Netflix: Where Are The Legendary Grandmothers Now?

The Netflix movie *Nonnas* has become a heartwarming sensation since its release on May 9, 2025, captivating audiences with its blend of authentic Italian cuisine, high-stakes comedy, and a truly inspiring true story. This film, directed by Stephen Chbosky, is far more than a simple cooking comedy; it is a tribute to family, heritage, and the power of a grandmother’s love—and her cooking—which is why the cast of legendary actresses playing the titular roles is so crucial. The movie centers on Joe Scaravella, a man who, after suffering a devastating personal loss, decides to open a restaurant with a revolutionary concept: hiring only Italian grandmothers to cook their regional specialties. This article, updated for the current date of December 18, 2025, takes a deep dive into the stellar ensemble cast, their iconic careers, and the latest projects they are involved in, proving that these "Nonnas" are still dominating Hollywood.

Meet the Legendary Nonnas: Full Cast and Biography Profiles

The film is anchored by a powerhouse ensemble of Oscar and Emmy-nominated actresses who bring decades of cinematic history and genuine Italian-American spirit to the screen. Here is a detailed look at the core cast of *Nonnas* on Netflix.

Vince Vaughn as Joe "Joey" Scaravella

Biography & Key Roles: Born March 28, 1970, Vince Vaughn is an American actor, comedian, and producer known for his roles in the "Frat Pack" comedies of the 2000s. His breakthrough came with *Swingers* (1996), followed by major hits like *Wedding Crashers* (2005), *The Break-Up* (2006), and dramatic turns in *True Detective* (Season 2) and *Hacksaw Ridge* (2016). In *Nonnas*, Vaughn plays Joe Scaravella, the founder of the restaurant Enoteca Maria, a role based on a real-life Staten Island restaurateur.

Recent Projects & Updates (2024-2025): Following *Nonnas*, Vaughn continues his mix of comedy and drama. He has been involved in several production ventures and is set to star in the upcoming thriller *A Big Bold Beautiful Journey* (2025), alongside Margot Robbie, continuing his pivot toward more layered, character-driven roles.

Susan Sarandon as Nonna Carmela

Biography & Key Roles: Born October 4, 1946, Susan Sarandon is an Academy Award and BAFTA winner, known for her activism and her fearless choice of roles. Her most iconic performances include *Thelma & Louise* (1991), *Lorenzo's Oil* (1992), and her Oscar-winning role in *Dead Man Walking* (1995). She is one of the most respected figures in Hollywood.

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Recent Projects & Updates (2024-2025): Sarandon remains incredibly active. She was featured in the 2024 film *The Gutter*, and her presence at major events like the 2024 Venice Film Festival shows her continued engagement with the industry. Her role as Nonna Carmela is characterized by a fiery spirit and a deep knowledge of Southern Italian cooking.

Lorraine Bracco as Roberta

Biography & Key Roles: Born October 2, 1954, Lorraine Bracco is an Oscar-nominated actress who achieved worldwide recognition for her role as Dr. Jennifer Melfi in the groundbreaking HBO series *The Sopranos* (1999–2007). She also earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Karen Hill in Martin Scorsese’s *Goodfellas* (1990). Her role in *Nonnas* is notably her first major comedic film role.

Recent Projects & Updates (2024-2025): Beyond her acting career, Bracco has found success in the lifestyle space, notably with her HGTV show *My Big Italian Adventure*, where she renovates a 200-year-old home in Sicily. She has also expanded into wellness ventures, showcasing her versatility outside of dramatic acting.

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Talia Shire as Teresa

Biography & Key Roles: Born April 25, 1946, Talia Shire is an integral member of the Coppola film family (sister to Francis Ford Coppola and aunt to Sofia Coppola). She is a two-time Oscar nominee, best known for playing Connie Corleone in *The Godfather* trilogy and Adrian Balboa in the *Rocky* film series. Her performance as Teresa in *Nonnas* brings a quiet dignity and deep emotional resonance.

Recent Projects & Updates (2024-2025): Shire’s recent filmography includes a role in the highly anticipated 2024 film *Megalopolis*, directed by her brother Francis Ford Coppola. She also had a guest role on the acclaimed comedy series *Abbott Elementary* in 2024, proving her ability to seamlessly move between major cinematic projects and popular television.

Brenda Vaccaro as Nonna Maria

Biography & Key Roles: Born November 18, 1939, Brenda Vaccaro is a veteran actress with a career spanning over six decades, featuring an Academy Award nomination for *Once Is Not Enough* (1975) and an Emmy Award for her work on *The Shape of Things* (1974). She is known for her distinctive voice and vibrant, often sassy, on-screen persona.

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Recent Projects & Updates (2024-2025): Vaccaro recently discussed her role in *Nonnas* and her life at 85 in an exclusive interview with *People*, highlighting her excitement to work alongside such a distinguished cast. Her character, Nonna Maria, is a central figure who provides much of the film’s comedic and emotional heart.

The Incredible True Story That Inspired 'Nonnas'

The film’s compelling narrative is directly inspired by a real-life culinary institution in Staten Island, New York, which adds a profound layer of authenticity and topical authority to the story.

Enoteca Maria: The Real-Life Restaurant

The restaurant at the heart of the movie is Enoteca Maria, a beloved establishment founded in 2007 by Joe Scaravella (the man Vince Vaughn portrays). Scaravella opened the restaurant after losing his mother, Maria, and his grandmother, aiming to preserve the traditional recipes and culinary wisdom of Italian grandmothers.

The concept is truly unique: the kitchen is run by a rotating roster of actual Italian nonnas, each specializing in the regional cooking of their specific hometown in Italy. These grandmothers—like Teresa Scalici, known for her cookies—not only cook but also share their personal stories and culinary heritage with diners, making the experience deeply personal.

The film captures the essence of this "Nonnas" concept, transforming the real-life kitchen into a cinematic stage where the grandmothers' hot-tempered, big-hearted personalities clash and harmonize. The success of the real Enoteca Maria, which is still operating today, underscores the universal appeal of authentic, home-cooked food made with love.

More Key Supporting Cast and Creative Team Entities

While the five main stars form the core of the film, the supporting cast and the creative team behind the camera are equally integral to the movie’s success and depth.

The Supporting Ensemble

The film features a deep bench of talented actors who round out the Staten Island setting and the restaurant staff. These entities add further layers to the story:

• Joe Manganiello: Known for *Magic Mike* and *True Blood*, Manganiello brings his Italian-American roots to a key role, adding to the film’s authentic New York flavor.
• Drea de Matteo: Another *Sopranos* alum, de Matteo is a familiar face in Italian-American narratives, known for her Emmy-winning role as Adriana La Cerva.
• Campbell Scott: A distinguished actor known for *House of Cards* and *The Amazing Spider-Man* series, he provides dramatic weight to the supporting cast.
• Michael Rispoli: A veteran character actor often seen in New York-centric stories, including *The Sopranos* and *Rounders*.
• Linda Cardellini: An Emmy-nominated actress known for *Dead to Me* and *Freaks and Geeks*, Cardellini’s presence adds another respected name to the ensemble.

The Creative Forces Behind the Film

The movie’s direction and production are handled by acclaimed industry professionals, ensuring a high-quality cinematic experience:

• Director Stephen Chbosky: Chbosky is best known for directing and writing *The Perks of Being a Wallflower* and directing *Wonder*. His involvement suggests a film that balances comedy with profound emotional depth and a strong coming-of-age theme, even for the older characters.
• Producers: The film is a co-production between several major entities, including Fifth Season, 1Community, Madison Wells, and Matador Content, highlighting its significant production value.

The combination of a stellar, veteran cast, a deeply touching true story, and a skilled creative team makes *Nonnas* a standout addition to the Netflix lineup. The film is a testament to the enduring power of food, family, and the unforgettable grandmothers who teach us the most important life lessons—often from the kitchen.