The Nonnas Cast: Full Biography, Character Guide, And The True Story Behind The Netflix Film's Star-Studded Kitchen

The highly-anticipated Netflix comedy-drama Nonnas, which premiered on May 9, 2025, has captivated audiences with its heartwarming, true-life story and a cast of Hollywood legends. The film is a delicious blend of Italian-American culture, humor, and heart, centered around a man's quest to honor his late mother by opening a unique restaurant staffed entirely by real-life grandmothers, or "nonnas."

The star-studded ensemble, featuring Oscar and Emmy winners, brings a formidable level of talent and chemistry to the kitchen, making the Nonnas cast a major talking point for film enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide provides the full cast list, detailed character breakdowns, and the incredible true story of the Staten Island eatery that inspired the movie.

The Star-Studded Nonnas Cast: Complete Biography and Character Profiles

The film’s success rests on the shoulders of its five main stars, a quartet of powerhouse actresses playing the titular grandmothers and the lead actor portraying the man behind the dream. Here is a detailed look at the core cast, their characters, and their notable careers:

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• Vince Vaughn as Joe Scaravella
  • Biography: Born on March 28, 1970, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Vince Vaughn is known for his sardonic and affable style, starring in hit comedies like Wedding Crashers and Old School. He has also taken on dramatic roles in recent years.
  • Character: Joe Scaravella is the protagonist, a Staten Island mechanic turned restaurateur who risks everything to open an Italian restaurant to honor his mother, Maria. The character is based on the real-life founder of Enoteca Maria, Jody Scaravella.
• Susan Sarandon as Gia
  • Biography: Born Susan Abigail Tomalin on October 4, 1946, in New York City, Sarandon is an Academy Award-winning actress known for iconic roles in films like Thelma & Louise and Dead Man Walking.
  • Character: Gia is a hairdresser and a stellar baker who was a longtime friend of Joe's mother. She is portrayed as the most attractive and outspoken of the nonnas, bringing her own brand of energy to the kitchen.
• Lorraine Bracco as Roberta
  • Biography: Born on October 2, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, Bracco is a highly acclaimed actress, most famous for her Oscar-nominated role in Goodfellas and her Emmy-nominated performance as psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi on The Sopranos.
  • Character: Roberta is a tough-as-nails Sicilian nonna and was the best friend of Joe's late mother for 60 years. Her character is the closest to Joe when the restaurant endeavor begins, offering a blend of tough love and culinary expertise.
• Talia Shire as Teresa
  • Biography: Born Talia Rose Coppola on April 25, 1946, in Long Island, New York, Shire is a two-time Oscar nominee and a member of the famous Coppola family. She is best known for her roles as Connie Corleone in The Godfather trilogy and Adrian Balboa in the Rocky franchise.
  • Character: Teresa is perhaps the most complex of the grandmothers, a former nun who left the convent after falling in love with a woman. Her subtle and complex performance adds depth to the film’s ensemble.
• Brenda Vaccaro as Antonella
  • Biography: Born Brenda Buell Vaccaro on November 18, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, she is an American stage, film, and television actress with a career spanning over half a century, known for her energetic performances.
  • Character: Antonella is a widow with three children and nine grandchildren. She is the first nonna to come aboard as a chef, finding a new purpose in life at the restaurant after being tipped off by a young neighbor.

The True Story Behind the Sauce: Enoteca Maria and Jody Scaravella

The film’s heartwarming premise is not a work of fiction; it is based on the incredible true story of Jody Scaravella, who opened the restaurant Enoteca Maria in Staten Island, New York, in 2007.

Scaravella was a transportation worker who, after losing his beloved mother, Maria, and his grandmother, was moved by a desire to share the culinary culture of Italian grandmothers. He initially hired Italian grandmothers to cook a rotating, authentic menu.

The concept became so successful that it expanded far beyond Italian-American culture. Enoteca Maria evolved into "Nonnas of the World," a unique culinary destination where a different grandmother, or nonna, from a different country cooks a unique, traditional menu each night. This cultural exchange is the true heart of the story.

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The film captures the spirit of this endeavor, focusing on the initial challenge of bringing together a group of strong-willed, opinionated, but ultimately big-hearted women to run a professional kitchen. The real Enoteca Maria continues to thrive, a testament to the power of food, family, and heritage.

More Flavorful Details: The Sopranos Reunion and Key Supporting Cast

Beyond the main five, the Nonnas cast features a deep bench of talented actors who solidify the film’s Italian-American New York feel. This includes a mini-reunion of stars from the legendary HBO series The Sopranos, a detail that has delighted fans.

A Mini-Sopranos Reunion

The presence of Lorraine Bracco (Dr. Melfi) is notable enough, but she is joined by other Sopranos alums, including Drea De Matteo and Michael Rispoli.

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This casting choice adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgic charm for viewers familiar with the rich history of Italian-American storytelling in film and television. The combined talent of this group ensures that the dialogue is sharp, the humor is grounded, and the emotional stakes feel genuine.

The Extended Ensemble

Other key players in the Nonnas ensemble include:

• Linda Cardellini: She plays Olivia, a young neighbor who tips off Antonella (Brenda Vaccaro) about the restaurant and serves as a potential love interest for Joe Scaravella.
• Joe Manganiello: The actor, known for his roles in Magic Mike and True Blood, also makes an appearance, adding another recognizable face to the cast.

The film is directed by Stephen Chbosky, known for The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and co-written by Liz Maccie and the real-life inspiration, Jody Scaravella. Their combined vision delivers a comedy-drama that is both funny and deeply moving, focusing on themes of grief, community, and finding new purpose later in life.

Ultimately, the Nonnas cast brings together a perfect blend of comedic timing and dramatic gravitas to tell a truly unique and delicious story. The film serves as a tribute not just to grandmothers, but to the enduring power of food as a universal language of love and heritage.