Alessandro Gassmann, the acclaimed Italian actor, is on the cusp of his 60th birthday, and he’s using this landmark moment to resonate with his emotions and reflections about life and career. During a recent interview with Il Corriere della Sera, Gassmann opened up about various aspects of his life, shedding light on his relationships, personal experiences, and the peculiarities of his professional journeys.
While discussing his experiences, Gassmann made it clear he opted out of watching the recent Festival di Sanremo this year. With characteristic wit, he explained, "Mi sono risparmiato la fatica, sono convinto che la maggior parte degli italiani guardi Sanremo per vedere quanto è brutto" (I saved myself the effort; I believe most Italians watch Sanremo to see how bad it is). His cynicism was tempered by his deep concern for family, as he noted the absence of his son, Leo, from the event as his primary reason for skipping out.
Gassmann’s reflections also turn to his relationships with his parents. He recalled how his mother, Juliette Mayniel, and father, Vittorio Gassmann, had separated when he was just three years old. He added, "Lei e papà si separarono che avevo tre anni" (They separated when I was three). Gassmann noted the emotional scars and lack of typical parental bonds but spoke fondly of his father’s unwavering expectations, which greatly influenced his outlook on life.
At the heart of Gassmann's story is his enduring partnership with his wife, Sabrina Knaflitz. This dynamic relationship, spanning over three decades, has been characterized by both laughter and heated arguments. Gassmann explained, "È la persona che mi fa più ridere al mondo e quella con cui litigo più spesso al mondo" (She is the person who makes me laugh the most and the one I fight with the most). Perceiving their relationship through the lens of both intimacy and conflict, he highlighted the challenges of balancing his acting career with family life.
Among the most eye-catching revelations from Gassmann’s interview were his anecdotes about missed opportunities to work with global pop icon Madonna. Years ago, Madonna had Eminently sent word for Gassmann to appear alongside her in a commercial, but being on tour, he turned it down. He humorously recounted, "Ma ero in tournée e rifiutai. Tutti a dirmi: scemo, ci devi anda’, quella è Madonna... Andò Raoul Bova, in ripiego" (But I was on tour and refused. Everyone was telling me: Fool, you have to go; that's Madonna... Raoul Bova went as a backup).
Another opportunity presented itself when Madonna sought Gassmann for the remake of the classic film Travolti da un insolito destino. Unbeknownst to him, Gassmann had another film commitment at the time and had to turn her down once more. Gassmann candidly confessed, "Non l’ho mai incontrata" (I have never met her), emphasizing the unusual circumstances of his missed brushes with the legendary singer.
Reflecting on these points, Gassmann tied them back to his overall life philosophy—a blend of aspiration, recognition of fortuitous outcomes, and regret for paths not taken. He shares his appreciation for what he has accomplished, stating, "Io mi sveglio la mattina e dico: ammazza che fortuna, faccio un mestiere che mi piace..." (I wake up in the morning and say: What luck, I do a job I like…).
Despite this recognition of good fortune, Gassmann also touches on the ever-present guilt of turning down golden opportunities, which echoes throughout his narrative. The discordance between his professional desires and personal choices reflects the internal contention many face as they navigate the demands of life and career.
His poignant insights draw parallels with his thoughts on larger societal issues as he reflects on his emotional growth as he ages. Particularly sensitive to global issues, Gassmann expressed his compassion for children affected by war and climate change, signaling his advocacy for social causes like climate change and refugee rights.
Gassmann's reflections paint a multi-faceted portrait of a man who balances personal joys, regrets, social responsibility, and the burden of legacy. Turning 60, he embodies the essence of maturity—not merely as the acceptance of age but as the synthesis of personal growth through experience.