Angela Luce, a true icon of Neapolitan and Italian entertainment, has captivated audiences for 75 years with her powerful voice and remarkable acting skills. Born Angela Savino in Naples in 1938, Luce's life has been a tapestry of success across theater, music, and cinema. In an exclusive interview with Verissimo, aired on May 10, 2025, she opened up about her extraordinary career and personal journey.
From a young age, Luce displayed an innate talent for the performing arts. As she shared with Verissimo, her humble family background fostered her artistic inclinations. "My father was a craftsman who made fabulous shoes, and the most demanding customer always said I was the one. For my father, I was the princess, not Angela. My mother was a florist, making fabric flowers for evening gowns. She was skilled," Luce recounted. Born as the youngest and only daughter in a family with two older brothers, she was cherished and often referred to as the princess of the house. "I had it in my blood," she said, recalling how she would mimic actors in front of the mirror after watching films as a child.
Angela Luce made her stage debut at 18, although she had been singing long before that. By the 1950s, she had begun to make a name for herself in the world of Neapolitan music, known for her passionate and authentic interpretations. Her warm and vibrant voice quickly established her as one of the most celebrated artists of her time.
However, her career wasn't limited to music. Luce also made a significant impact in film and theater, becoming a sought-after actress known for her compelling screen presence. She collaborated with some of Italy's most illustrious directors, taking on intense and complex roles that garnered critical acclaim and the affection of audiences. Notable films in her repertoire include Il sindaco del rione Sanità and L’amore molesto, the latter earning her a David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actress. She also starred in La seconda notte di nozze and worked alongside legendary actors such as Totò, Alberto Sordi, and Monica Vitti.
Despite her public persona, Luce has always been a private individual, particularly when it comes to her romantic life. One of the most significant relationships in her life was with fellow artist Peppino Gagliardi. "I had a man, a companion for two years. We were engaged. It was a public love story, covered by the press. I fell madly in love with him, and I truly loved him. But he did something I could never forgive. I told him: 'I never want to see you again,'" she revealed during the interview. Their passionate relationship was marked by ups and downs, with Gagliardi's infidelities ultimately leading to their separation. Luce expressed her enduring feelings for him, saying, "If there’s one man in the world I loved, it’s him. I’m not sorry for not forgiving him." Gagliardi later wrote the song "Non c’è più luce nella mia vita, non c’è più luce nella mia stanza" reflecting on their lost love, but for Luce, it was too late.
Even after their paths diverged, Luce felt a lingering connection to Gagliardi. She described the pain of hearing about his death, stating, "I didn’t cry, but I felt a pain I can’t explain in words." This sentiment, which she referred to as a "soul pain," underscores the depth of her feelings for him, as she shared her memories with tears in her eyes.
Throughout her life, Angela Luce has experienced other romances, but she currently finds joy surrounded by her family, emphasizing happiness over loneliness. "After such a rich and intense life, I feel happy, surrounded by the love of a great family," she affirmed.
Angela Luce's illustrious career spans seven decades, making her a cherished figure in Italian culture. She first stepped into the spotlight at 'Piedigrotta Bideri' with the song 'Zì Carmilì' and made her film debut in 1956 with Ricordati di Napoli, directed by Pino Mercanti. Over the years, she has starred in numerous films, including Signori si nasce by Mario Mattoli, Il vedovo by Dino Risi, and A noi piace freddo...! by Steno.
In addition to her acting career, Luce has made a name for herself as a singer, with notable achievements including a second-place finish at the Sanremo Music Festival in 1975 with her song "Ipocrisia" and the release of 18 albums of original music.
As she prepares to share her story on Verissimo, Angela Luce continues to be a beacon of talent and resilience, embodying the spirit of Neapolitan culture in her contributions to Italian entertainment. With each performance, she reminds audiences of the power of art to transcend time and touch the soul.
