Biografia
When faced with a crossroads that seems like a dead end, sometimes you need to reinvent yourself. As the great Yogi Berra famously said, "When you come to a fork in the road, take it." This is exactly what Ralph Bracco did in 2008. After working for the same company for 30 years, downsizing led to his unexpected and untimely early retirement. Embracing a long-hidden passion, Ralph decided to try acting. With no formal training beyond some elementary school skits, he responded to an ad for an independent film seeking an extra to play a cop—a role that would become one of his favorites.
Filming in his old Queens neighborhood alongside seasoned actors Sally Kirkland and James Murtaugh, Ralph was a bit starstruck but immediately caught the acting bug, which has stayed with him ever since. Without formal lessons, he credits his schooling to growing up watching some of the finest actors in television and film. He continually learns by observing and listening attentively on every project, whether as an extra or featured artist. Ralph brings an authentic New York style to all his work, drawing from his upbringing in Queens during the 60s and 70s, which helps him connect deeply to many of his characters.
Ralph’s extensive resume includes roles in movies, TV shows, commercials, music videos, and independent and foreign films, some of which have screened at prestigious festivals like Cannes and Tribeca. He has also worked on numerous web series and student films, always striving to refine his craft, knowing that the industry thrives on connections and networking. His characters range widely—from police officers and detectives to doctors, lawyers, blue-collar workers like construction workers and cab drivers, and perhaps his favorite: a wise guy. He particularly enjoys participating in period pieces, appreciating how they allow him to both act and relive historical moments.
Some notable TV credits include Boardwalk Empire, Law & Order: SVU, Vinyl, The Deuce, and various productions for Discovery, ID, and the History Channel such as Perfect Murder, Scorned, My Dirty Little Secrets, Men Who Built America, Mobster Confession, Inside the American Mob, and I Married a Mobster. Recently, he worked in South America with an Emmy-nominated director on an upcoming History Channel miniseries portraying a well-known mobster.
His film work includes Desperate Endeavors, Wolves of Wall Street, Shadow Recruit, Revenge of the Green Dragons, The Normals, and short films like Night of the Pumpkin and Frankie the Green Card Lottery. Ralph has also appeared in commercials and print campaigns for Media Com Cable, Blue Point Brewery, Publishers Clearing House, and promos for season 2 of Mob Wives, along with numerous regional spots. Additionally, he performs in the long-running New York dinner theater murder mystery production Murdered by the Mob, playing multiple characters.
Ralph enjoys exploring diverse looks and accents in his roles, and he has a passion for music, playing both guitar and drums. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his repertoire to include comedy and drama and plans to take acting classes to further develop his skills. Excited about the future, Ralph is eager to land bigger, more prominent roles and grow more confident with each project. Above all, he believes his true New Yorker edge sets him apart in this competitive industry.
