Cathy Moriarty Biography: Children, Movies, Parents, Religion, Awards, Age, Husband, Height, Net Worth, Ethnicity

Catherine Moriarty, also known as Cathy Moriarty, is an American actress renowned for her powerful, raspy-voiced performances in film and television over more than four decades.

She burst onto the scene with an Academy Award-nominated debut as Vikki LaMotta in Martin Scorsese‘s Raging Bull (1980), opposite Robert De Niro, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of a tough, complex character.

Moriarty has since delivered memorable supporting roles in movies like Casper, Kindergarten Cop, Soapdish, and Cop Land, as well as guest spots on TV series including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, showcasing her versatility in drama, comedy, and character-driven parts.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Catherine Moriarty
• Stage Name: Cathy Moriarty
• Born: 29 November 1960
• Age: 65 years old
• Birthplace: The Bronx, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actress
• Height: 1.73 m
• Parents: Catherine Moriarty (née Burke), and John Moriarty
• Siblings: Mary Moriarty
• Spouse: Joseph Gentile (m. 1999), Carmine D’Anna (m. 1981–1992)
• Children: Catherine Patricia Gentile, Annabella Rose Gentile, Joseph John Gentile
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Catherine Moriarty was born on November 29, 1960, in The Bronx, New York.

She grew up in a working-class Irish Catholic immigrant family with parents Catherine Moriarty, a homemaker, and John Moriarty, a warehouse worker, as one of seven children including sister Mary.

The family later moved to Yonkers, New York, where she attended Lincoln High School.

With no formal drama training or college education due to financial constraints, Moriarty pursued acting interests informally from a young age by putting on neighborhood shows.

Her ethnicity is Irish, and her religion is Roman Catholic.

Career

Cathy Moriarty launched her career remarkably young when, at 17 and still in high school, she was discovered after entering a local contest and caught the eye of Martin Scorsese.

She landed the lead female role of Vikki LaMotta in Raging Bull (1980), delivering a breakout performance that earned her nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress.

This immediate success established her as a formidable talent, though a serious car accident sidelined her for several years afterward.

She returned strongly in the late 1980s and 1990s with roles in films like White of the Eye (1987), Kindergarten Cop (1990), Soapdish (1991), Matinee (1993), Casper (1995) as the villainous Carrigan Crittenden, and Cop Land (1997).

Moriarty also earned a CableACE Award for her work in Tales from the Crypt and took on business ventures, including co-owning the Mulberry Street Pizzeria chain, which supplemented her acting income during slower periods.

Moriarty remains active with appearances in independent films and television, including Patti Cake$ (2017), The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, and recent projects like Will Trent, Elsbeth, and Saint Nick of Bethlehem.

Her enduring presence in character roles highlights her skill at bringing depth to tough, no-nonsense women, leaving a lasting mark on American cinema through her distinctive voice and authentic portrayals.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @officialcathymoriarty
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Catherine Moriarty first married Carmine D’Anna in 1981, divorcing in 1992 amid a high-profile split.

She was later engaged to Richie Palmer before marrying financier Joseph Gentile on August 28, 1999.

With Gentile, she has three children: twins Catherine Patricia Gentile and Joseph John Gentile (born 2000), and daughter Annabella Rose Gentile (born 2001).

Moriarty has balanced family life in New York with her career, often prioritizing her role as a mother while maintaining strong ties to her Bronx and Yonkers roots.

Filmography

• Raging Bull (1980)
• Neighbors (1981)
• White of the Eye (1987)
• Kindergarten Cop (1990)
• Soapdish (1991)
• Matinee (1993)
• Casper (1995)
• Cop Land (1997)
• Analyze That (2002)
• The Bounty Hunter (2010)
• Patti Cake$ (2017)

Net Worth

Cathy Moriarty has an estimated net worth of $5 million.

Her primary sources of income stem from decades of acting in films and television, supplemented by business interests such as co-ownership of the Mulberry Street Pizzeria chain and occasional producing efforts.