Beloved Italian actress Eleonora Giorgi has passed away at the age of 71 after battling pancreatic cancer, prompting heartfelt tributes from family, friends, and colleagues. Giorgi, known for her captivating roles and strength of spirit, died at the Paideia clinic in Rome on March 3, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Giorgi’s family announced her death, saying she "si è spenta serenamente nell'amore e nell'abbraccio dei suoi figli e dei suoi affetti," highlighting the love and support she received throughout her illness. She had been open about her health struggles, which began when she publicly shared her diagnosis back in December 2023. The last stages of her battle included palliative care to manage discomfort, but her family remained hopeful until the very end.
Born on October 21, 1953, Eleonora Giorgi quickly established herself as one of the leading actresses of Italian cinema, particularly renowned for her contributions during the 1980s. Her first major role came at the age of 18, and she captured audiences' hearts with her performances alongside iconic names like Carlo Verdone, Renato Pozzetto, and Adriano Celentano. With notable films such as "Borotalco," where she played the unforgettable Nadia Vandelli, Giorgi earned numerous accolades, including the David di Donatello.
Carlos Verdone, who directed her breakthrough performance, expressed his deep admiration. He stated, "Grazie per essere stata un grande, coraggioso esempio per tutti. La tua leggerezza, il tuo entusiasmo, il tuo sorriso e la tua preziosa amicizia" underlining her impact both personally and professionally.
Giorgi’s son, Paolo Ciavarro, shared his sorrow, saying, "Il sorriso di mamma rimarrà per tutta la vita," reflecting the deep familial bond and love shared within her family. He also shared moments from their last days together, underscoring her warmth and resilience.
Clizia Incorvaia, Giorgi's daughter-in-law and actress, paid tribute with poignant words from Henry Scott Holland’s poem: "La morte non è niente. Sono solamente passato dall'altra parte..." This excerpt captured the enduring connection between Clizia and her beloved suocera (mother-in-law), symbolizing the love and laughter they shared.
Throughout her life, Eleonora Giorgi was known not just for her talent, but for her multiple relationships, which defined much of her public persona. She had two significant marriages—first to the prominent publisher Angelo Rizzoli, with whom she had her eldest son Andrea, and later to actor Massimo Ciavarro, father to her youngest son Paolo. Their relationship was marked by both passion and challenges, including the trials they faced after separating.
Despite their separation, Massimo Ciavarro remained supportive. He stated how she maintained her bravery even when life presented hardships. "Hai sempre affrontato tutto con un sorriso, e questo ci rimarrà nel cuore," he remarked. Through tribulations and triumphs, their bond and mutual respect endured, illustrated by their continued appearances together, most recently when supporting their son Paolo on the reality show 'Grande Fratello Vip.'
Friends and colleagues from the film industry have also expressed their condolences. Carlo Conti, who presented Giorgi with the David di Donatello award last year, reminisced about the honor of giving her recognition for her lifetime of work. Renato Pozzetto, another veteran of Italian cinema, expressed his sorrow, stating he had the pleasure of working with Giorgi early on and remembered her as "una collega molto brava, e puntuale nel suo lavoro."
The outpouring of affection shows the high regard in which Eleonora Giorgi was held, not just as a talented actress but as an inspiring human being. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on through both her extraordinary contributions to the arts and the loving memories held by her family and friends.
Giorgi’s funeral is set for March 5, 2025, at the prestigious Chiesa degli Artisti in Rome, where family and friends will gather to pay their respects and celebrate her vibrant life and career.