'A Bronx Tale' Star Pays Tribute To 'First Love' 31 Years Later: 'Puppy Love'
- - 'A Bronx Tale' Star Pays Tribute To 'First Love' 31 Years Later: 'Puppy Love'
Isabella TorregianiDecember 6, 2025 at 2:40 AM
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Bobby Bank/GC Images
Lilo Brancato is taking a sweet trip down memory lane, sharing a throwback photo of his “first love,” Chanel Capra.
Fans might recognize her last name — her brother, Francis Capra, played a younger version of Brancato’s character in the 1993 classic A Bronx Tale.
Brancato posted the photo on Instagram, writing, “A #tbt to my #firstlove @chanel_capra and I back in #1992,” he wrote. “We are still good friends to this very day. She is a great person that comes from a great family.”
He added, “She also happens to be the older sister of the boy who played me younger in A Bronx Tale, @francis_capra. I wish them all the best. Love you guys.”
For eagle-eyed fans, Chanel even made a cameo in the classic film, appearing as one of the girls crossing the street while Brancato’s character and his friends start whistling and catcalling.
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Chanel responded under Brancato’s post, writing, “First love. Forever love.” She also shared a throwback of the two on her own account, calling him her “first love, right back atcha.” According to Brancato, the photo may have been taken at a party they both attended.
Fans poured into both their comment sections, showering them with compliments. “She’s beautiful. Resembles Selena for sure,” one wrote, while another added, “She’s stunning! You two made such a nice looking couple together.”
Brancato seems to be in a sentimental mood these days, and this post is no exception. Just a couple months ago, he reunited with his ABronx Tale co-star Taral Hicks to raise money for homeless veterans.
Marie Claire shared the reunion on Instagram, posting a side-by-side of the actors from 1993 and 2025. The caption read, “Can you believe it’s been 32 years? @sheistaralhicksdawson and @lillo_brancato, who stole our hearts as Jane and Calogero in A Bronx Tale, reunite in a photo that has fans feeling nostalgic.”
Brancato took on the leading role of Calogero Anello in A Bronx Tale, an Italian-American teen navigating life in the Bronx. Even with his father’s warnings, he becomes drawn to the mafia and forms a bond with mob boss Sonny (Chazz Palminteri). Calogero also meets Jan Williams (Hicks), and the two develop a sweet romance.
The 1993 film, directed by Robert De Niro, launched Brancato’s acting career and his first leading role. He later appeared in The Sopranos as Matthew Bevilaqua and took on roles in other films including Crimson Tide and Renaissance Man.
Hicks also made her film debut in A Bronx Tale. She went on to act in various projects and later pursued a music career, releasing her first R&B album, This Time, in 1997.
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
