Certain performances have left an indelible impression on me—not just as a viewer as an actor. When I first watched Lorraine Bracco in Goodfellas, I wasn’t even acting yet, but her work resonated with me on such a deep level that it stayed with me. By the time I saw Kathy Bates in Primary Colors years later, I was already on my acting journey, and her brilliance reinforced everything I aspired to. These performances weren’t just inspiring; they set a standard that I’ve carried with me ever since.
Lorraine Bracco in Goodfellas
The first time I saw Goodfellas, I was still in the Navy, and I remember sitting there completely transfixed. Lorraine Bracco as Karen Hill—my God. There’s one scene that just hit me like a punch to the gut. She’s holding her kids, dragging them along, and she’s buzzing the apartment where her husband’s mistress is hiding.
That scene was raw. Her anger, her pain—it wasn’t acting. It was real. You could see it all in her face, in her body. The way she carried that pain and fury. I remember thinking, How does someone even do that?
That moment stayed with me. Her anger was so layered — you could feel everything underneath. It’s a scene I’ll never forget, and it’s still one of the most inspiring performances I’ve ever seen.
Kathy Bates in Primary Colors
And then there’s Kathy Bates in Primary Colors. This one is more of a slow burn for me. I’ve seen this movie over 40 times now—I’m not kidding—and every time, I’m just floored by her.
A lot of people think of her as Annie Wilkes in Misery, and yeah, she’s incredible in that, but for me, her performance in Primary Colors is on another level.. There’s not a single moment where I don’t believe her. It’s like she’s not acting at all.
Every word she says, every little gesture—watch her and think, That’s it.
Even after all these years, I still look forward to the moment her character comes on screen. I don’t skip scenes, I don’t fast-forward—I just let myself soak it all in. Her performance is a reminder of what’s possible. And btw, she was most definitely nominated for that role!
