Cathy Moriarty

Overview

Bronx-born character actress Cathy Moriarty was just 18 years old, fresh out of high school and had no idea that her life was about to change. Joe Pesci discovered her competing in a bathing-beauty contest at a bar. He invited her to audition for the part of Vikki LaMotta, second wife to champion boxer Jake LaMotta, portrayed by Robert De Niro, in Martin Scorsese's timeless black and white masterpiece, Raging Bull (1980). Moriarty's performance earned her an Academy Award nomination; however, shortly after appearing in the mediocre comedy, Neighbors (1981), she endured a near-fatal automobile accident which resulted in a six-year hiatus. She did not get within a mile radius of a good part until her most personally treasured role, the deliciously evil Montana Moorehead in the soap opera-parody, Soapdish (1991). Ever since, Moriarty's invigorating presence animated a variety of strong woman, all of which, incidentally, appear to be specifically written with her in mind.
- IMDb mini biography by: Anonymous

Once said Soapdish (1991) is her personal favorite of all her films.
Grew up in Yonkers, New York.
In the 80s, while not making movies, she took a stake in a West Hollywood sports bar. Later, there would be restaurants and nightclubs. Her most successful venture was co-ownership of the Mulberry Street pizzeria chain that began with one branch in LA. Early on, she worked front of house. Her fiancé and business partner, pizza restaurant owner Richard Palmer, left her for Raquel Welch after he and Raquel met in October 1997 at Ago, the West Hollywood restaurant owned by Robert De Niro.
Co-owner of Mulberry Street Pizza restaurants (three locations around L.A.), with Raquel Welch's ex-husband (and Moriarty's ex-boyfriend) Richie Palmer.
Was set to continue working with Donald Cammell after their collaboration on White of the Eye (1987), on a project called "Jericho" which would star Moriarty and Marlon Brando. However plans were soon dropped, as Brando realized he was unable to get insurance, and the film scrapped, just days before filming was to begin.

Robert De Niro taught me how to listen, and how to be part of the conversation. It's not just about reading your lines and saying what's in the script, you have to understand your character, along with the other characters so that you can always respond.
Not the most difficult director that I've worked with, but the most determined. (On Donald Cammell)
Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese were so exceptionally loving to me and so concerned and so caring that I will always be grateful to them.
I prefer the hands-on work to all the black tie stuff.
Sometimes all it takes is someone else who truly believes in and sees the light shining within them to make a world of difference.