Cathy Moriarty is an  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.

Once said Soapdish (1991) is her personal favorite of all her films.

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.