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Lillo Brancato's Age In 2025: The Shocking True Story Behind The Star Of 'A Bronx Tale'

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The question of "How old is Lilo?" often leads to two very different answers, spanning from a beloved Disney character to a former Hollywood star with a dramatic, real-life story of redemption and controversy. As of today, December 23, 2025, the most searched-for figure, actor Lillo Brancato Jr., has reached a significant milestone in his life and career, marking a clear division between his troubled past and his determined future in the entertainment industry. This article will provide the definitive, up-to-date age and biographical details for both figures.

The actor Lillo Brancato Jr., famous for his roles in *A Bronx Tale* and *The Sopranos*, has a life story that is far more complex than a simple birth date. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, his journey from a promising young star to a convicted felon—and now a working actor again—is a compelling narrative that continues to draw public interest, especially concerning his current age and career status.

Lillo Brancato Jr. Biography and Current Age (2025)

Lillo Brancato Jr. is an American actor whose career began with a bang in one of the most respected crime dramas of the 1990s. His life, however, took a sharp, public turn due to addiction and legal troubles. Here are the definitive biographical details:

  • Full Name: Lillo Brancato Jr. (Born Saúl Rodríguez)
  • Date of Birth: August 30, 1976
  • Birthplace: Bogotá, Colombia
  • Current Age (as of December 23, 2025): 49 years old
  • Zodiac Sign: Virgo
  • Nationality: American
  • Adoption: Adopted at four months old and raised in Yonkers, New York.
  • Famous Roles: Calogero Anello in *A Bronx Tale* (1993), Matthew Bevilaqua in *The Sopranos* (1999–2000).
  • Legal Issues: Convicted of attempted burglary in 2008 in connection with the 2005 death of NYPD Officer Daniel Enchautegui. He was acquitted of murder.
  • Incarceration: Sentenced to 10 years and released on parole on December 31, 2013.

The Dramatic Arc: From Rising Star to Convicted Felon

Brancato's rise to fame was meteoric. He was discovered by Robert De Niro while swimming at Jones Beach, which led directly to his casting as the lead, Calogero, in De Niro’s directorial debut, *A Bronx Tale* (1993).

His performance was widely praised, and he was quickly labeled a promising talent. This success was followed by a prominent role in the acclaimed HBO series *The Sopranos*, where he played the young mob associate Matthew Bevilaqua.

Despite his early success, Brancato struggled with severe drug addiction. This addiction ultimately led to the tragic events of December 10, 2005, when he and an accomplice, Steven Armento, attempted to break into a house in the Bronx to steal prescription drugs.

The incident resulted in a confrontation with off-duty NYPD Officer Daniel Enchautegui, who was shot and killed by Armento. Brancato was charged with second-degree murder but was ultimately convicted of first-degree attempted burglary and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Lillo Brancato’s Post-Prison Career Comeback in 2025

Since his release from prison on parole in late 2013, Lillo Brancato Jr. has been actively working to rebuild his life and career. His current age of 49 in 2025 places him in a new phase of his professional life, focusing on independent films and using his story as a cautionary tale.

His return to acting has been steady, though primarily in smaller, independent productions. He has appeared in films such as *Back in the Day* (2016) and *Dead on Arrival* (2017). His determination to return to the screen, despite the controversy surrounding his past, demonstrates a strong commitment to his craft.

Beyond acting, Brancato has become a vocal advocate for addiction recovery, often sharing his personal story to warn others about the dangers of drug abuse. This public advocacy forms a significant part of his current professional identity, leveraging his past experiences for positive influence.

The Other Lilo: Lilo Pelekai’s Age and the 2025 Live-Action Remake

For a vast number of search users, "How old is Lilo?" refers to the beloved fictional character from Disney’s *Lilo & Stitch* franchise. This question has fresh relevance due to the highly anticipated 2025 live-action remake.

Lilo Pelekai’s Definitive Age

In the original 2002 animated film, Lilo Pelekai is definitively 6 years old.

The character is an orphaned Native Hawaiian girl living in Kauaʻi with her older sister, Nani. Her emotional maturity and unique perspective on life, including her love for Elvis Presley and hula, are central to the story.

In the subsequent sequel material and television series, Lilo is shown to age, typically ranging from 7 to 9 years old. However, for the purpose of the core story—the 2002 film and the upcoming 2025 remake—she remains a six-year-old child.

The 2025 Live-Action Context

The upcoming *Lilo & Stitch* live-action film, which is scheduled for release in 2025, will once again feature Lilo as a six-year-old girl.

The film is expected to stay true to the original plot, focusing on Lilo’s struggle with loneliness and her desire for a friend, which leads her to adopt an extraterrestrial genetic experiment, Stitch.

The casting of the new Lilo, a young actress named Maia Kealoha, brings a fresh face to the timeless character, ensuring the core themes of *ʻohana* (family) and acceptance resonate with a new generation.

Key Entities and Topical Authority: Lillo vs. Lilo

The search query "how old is lilo" acts as a bridge between two distinct pop culture entities. Understanding the full context requires acknowledging the key figures and events surrounding both:

Entities Related to Lillo Brancato Jr. (Age 49):

  • Robert De Niro: The actor who discovered Brancato and directed him in *A Bronx Tale*.
  • Chazz Palminteri: The writer and co-star of *A Bronx Tale*, whose play the film was based on.
  • Matthew Bevilaqua: Brancato's character in *The Sopranos*, a young hitman.
  • Daniel Enchautegui: The NYPD officer tragically killed in the 2005 incident.
  • Steven Armento: Brancato's accomplice and the shooter of Officer Enchautegui.
  • Addiction Recovery: A major theme in Brancato's post-prison life and public speaking.

Entities Related to Lilo Pelekai (Age 6):

  • Stitch (Experiment 626): The mischievous alien Lilo adopts.
  • Nani Pelekai: Lilo's older sister and guardian.
  • Jumba Jookiba: The alien scientist who created Stitch.
  • Kauaʻi, Hawaii: The primary setting for the story.
  • Hula and Elvis Presley: Lilo’s passions and hobbies.
  • Live-Action Remake: The 2025 film that keeps the character's age at 6.

In summary, while the fictional Lilo Pelekai remains perpetually six years old for the 2025 Disney film, the real-life Lillo Brancato Jr. is 49 years old as of December 2025, actively working to redefine his legacy after a period of immense personal and legal turmoil.

how old is lilo
how old is lilo

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