Edie Falco (born July 5, 1963) is a television actress best known for playing Carmela Soprano in The Sopranos (1999-2007) and the title role in Nurse Jackie (2009-2015). Over her career she has been nominated 11 times for a Golden Globe as Best Actress in a Television Series, and has won twice, both times for The Sopranos, in 2000 and 2003.
She was born in New York’s Brooklyn, the daughter of Judith Anderson, an actress, and Frank Falco, a jazz drummer. She has acted since she was a child, starting in local theaters and high school productions, and in 1986 graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from the State University of New York at Purchase.
She cut her professional teeth on TV shows such as Law & Order and Homicide: Life on the Street, and quickly became a familiar face playing supporting roles before The Sopranos shot her to stardom. Known as an actor of fierce intelligence and dedication, she continues to be active in television and film.
Unmarried, she adopted a son, Anderson, in 2005 and a daughter, Macy, in 2008. She is a committed vegan and is closely involved with the animal rights organization PETA.
