It’s hard to believe, but the movie “A Bronx Tale” came out over 30 years ago. Released in 1993, it was Robert De Niro’s first time directing. The story follows a young boy named Calogero in 1960s New York. He must choose between his dad’s honest job as a bus driver and the pull of a cool mob boss named Sonny. It’s all about growing up, staying loyal, and making hard choices in a tough neighborhood.
The film touched so many people with its mix of heart and grit. Now, in 2025, we check in on the main actors. Their lives took wild turns—some soared high, others hit rock bottom, but most came back stronger. Here’s where they are today and how the movie shaped their paths.
Robert De Niro played Calogero’s dad, Lorenzo. At 79, he’s still a huge name in movies. He starred in big hits like “The Irishman” in 2019 and “Killers of the Flower Moon” in 2023. On TV, he led a Netflix show called “Zero Day” this year. De Niro also directs more now and has a new “Meet the Parents” movie coming. Family keeps him busy too—he welcomed his seventh kid, a baby girl named Gia, last year. The film kicked off his directing career and showed he could handle real-life stories with depth.
Chazz Palminteri wrote the story as a play first, then starred as Sonny, the wise mob guy. The movie opened doors for him in Hollywood. He popped up in fun films like “Analyze This” with De Niro and “The Usual Suspects.” Palminteri even tried directing TV and movies. These days, he runs a podcast called “The Chazz Palminteri Show” where he chats about life and acting. At 73, he says the role made him a star and let him share his Bronx roots with the world.
Young Calogero was played by Francis Capra as a kid. He stuck mostly to TV after the film. You might know him as the tough teen Weevil on “Veronica Mars”—he even came back for the movie and later seasons. Capra also guested on shows like “Sons of Anarchy” and “Bones.” Now 42, he’s steady in supporting roles. The movie was his big break at age 11, teaching him the ropes of acting young.
Lillo Brancato Jr. took over as teen Calogero. His story is the toughest. Fame hit him hard, and he fell into drugs like cocaine and heroin. Despite advice from De Niro and Palminteri, he got in trouble and served eight years in prison from 2007 to 2015. But Brancato turned it around. He’s sober now and acting again in small projects. At 49, he calls his comeback a second chance, thanks to lessons from the film about right and wrong.
Taral Hicks played Jane, Calogero’s first love. It was her movie debut, and she shone. Hicks tried music too, dropping R&B singles in the late ’90s. She acted in films like “Belly” and did theater with Tyler Perry. Now 51, she mixes acting with singing in indie work. The role put her on the map early and gave her a taste for blending arts.
Katherine Narducci was Rosie, Calogero’s mom. She got the part by luck—taking her son to an audition. That led to her big break on “The Sopranos” for years. Lately, she was in “Euphoria” and has “The Alto Knights” coming in 2025. At 63, Narducci says the film changed everything, turning a one-time mom into a pro actress.
Joe Pesci had a small but key role as a mobster. He was already famous from “Goodfellas.” Pesci kept going with “Casino” and “Lethal Weapon 4,” then stepped back in 1999. He returned for “The Irishman” and a new comedy series “Bupkis.” Now 82, he’s picky with gigs but still sharp. The movie added to his tough-guy charm without slowing him down.
“A Bronx Tale” lives on because it feels real—no fancy effects, just good stories about life. These actors’ ups and downs show how one film can flip your world. It’s a reminder that choices matter, on screen and off. Fans still watch it, passing the lessons to new kids. What a ride it’s been.