On March 3, 2025, the Italian film industry and fans were saddened by the loss of beloved actress Eleonora Giorgi, who passed away at 71 after battling pancreatic cancer. Known for her remarkable versatility and captivating presence, Giorgi left behind not only a remarkable cinematic legacy but also two devoted sons, Andrea Rizzoli and Paolo Ciavarro, who cherished her fiercely until her last moments.
Andrea Rizzoli, Eleonora's eldest son, has been vocal about the challenges his family faced during her illness. "Ci sono giornate buone e altre meno, però la malattia ogni volta che il sole cala e risorge avanza di un passetto, noi cerchiamo di stare con lei il più possibile e di godercela il più possibile," he expressed, conveying the emotional rollercoaster they navigated together. The family had to adapt, letting go of the idea of clinging to her life and instead focusing on providing beauty and meaning to her remaining days.
Eleonora Giorgi was not just known for her compelling roles in Italian comedy classics like "Borotalco" and "Mia moglie è una strega," but also for her personal life, which included passionate relationships and motherhood. She married influential publisher Angelo Rizzoli in 1979 and gave birth to Andrea shortly after. Their marriage began amid glamour but was soon fraught with challenges, especially when the P2 scandal erupted, leading to Angelo’s arrest and their divorce.
Despite the turbulence, Eleonora spoke fondly of her time with Angelo, noting, "Ma l’incontro con Angelo mi restituì alla vita," recognizing how pivotal he was during her early career. Post-divorce, the court awarded Eleonora half of the Rizzoli shares as part of their separation agreement. Throughout their marriage, they experienced love and disappointment, illustrating the complexity of their union.
After her split from Angelo, Eleonora began another chapter of her life with actor Massimo Ciavarro, fathering her second son, Paolo, born on October 22, 1991. Unlike Andrea, who steered clear of the limelight, Paolo forged his path within the entertainment industry, participating in various television shows and becoming increasingly recognized.
During her illness, the bond between Eleonora and her sons deepened remarkably. "Il grande amore della vita di una donna è il figlio maschio…" she frequently expressed, embracing their support. Andrea poignantly stated, "Non siamo mai stati così uniti. Presi dalle nostre individualità procedevamo come delle rette vicine ma parallele," indicating how family unity blossomed during difficult times, leading both brothers to reflect on the beauty found even amid suffering.
Eleonora's impact extended beyond her roles on the screen; it was the relationships she cultivated and the family she built, which truly defined her legacy. Even as they witnessed their mother's health deteriorate, Andrea and Paolo remained staunch supporters, ensuring her comfort and happiness. They frequently shared their family experiences with the public, appearing on television to highlight the importance of love and support through adversity.
Andrea's memoir, "Non ci sono buone notizie," captures his mother's final year, characterized by the bittersweet reality of joy amid pain—a year described as both intense and transformative for the family. "Cerchiamo di vivere le giornate che abbiamo dandogli senso e bellezza, questo è il messaggio del libro," he shared, reinforcing the notion of cherishing every moment and extracting happiness from life’s fleeting nature.
Paolo honored his mother as well, continuing to uphold the values Eleonora instilled within them. Their shared moments, laughter, and tears became foundational, changing how they approached family bonds and how they viewed life.
Known for her resilience and charm, Eleonora Giorgi's passing marks the end of an era but leaves behind enduring memories cherished by her two sons. Their experiences paint the picture of her not just as the vibrant actress adored by fans, but as the caring and courageous mother who balanced her stardom with fierce familial devotion. Through their stories, Andrea and Paolo reflect their mother’s spirit, showing how family love endures beyond life's extraordinary challenges.
While mourning her loss, the family members celebrate Eleonora’s contributions to film and her poignant life story, indicating how her legacy will continue to inspire both her sons and many more from the world of cinema.