Celebrated Italian actress Eleonora Giorgi passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 71, after bravely battling pancreatic cancer for nearly two years. She spent her final weeks at the Paideia clinic in Rome, where she had been hospitalized for the previous two weeks. Giorgi’s family, including her sons Andrea and Paolo, shared heartfelt sentiments about her passing, highlighting the love and resilience she displayed throughout her illness.
"I am here to tell you not to ignore any signs; two years before, I had been diagnosed with high blood sugar, and I should have pursued it more thoroughly," Giorgi had advised the public, showing her advocacy for health awareness, reported by the Corriere.
Eleonora’s health deteriorated significantly after she first experienced alarming symptoms, leading to her diagnosis on October 26, 2020, just five days after her 70th birthday. The actress’s approach to her illness was marked by her refusal to undergo aggressive treatments, as she preferred to cherish her quality of life, stating, "The doctors taking care of me are excellent, I feel like I'm held captive in a little Guantanamo." Her words reflected both humor and her resilience amid the toughest battles.
Throughout her life, Giorgi faced numerous peaks and valleys, both personally and professionally. She had earlier married the influential Angelo Rizzoli, where their bond grew from shared moments of joy, including delightful luncheons with notable figures, to heartbreak, leading to their separation three years later. Responding to the news of her illness, another important figure from her past, Massimo Ciavarro, expressed his disbelief, saying, "When he found out I was sick, Massimo was shocked: 'I thought you were immortal,' he told me," highlighting the deep connections she maintained with her former partners.
Giorgi's personal relationships were filled with intensity. She had two children from the two significant relationships, Andrea and Paolo, who were by her side during her battle with cancer. Both sons recalled the unwavering support she received from them throughout her ordeal. Paolo Ciavarro shared poignant moments, including his son Gabriele holding a heart-shaped balloon for his grandmother just days before her passing. He dedicated touching words on social media, "From today, Gabri has a special angel. Mami, I will love you always!"
The actress's artistic spirit remained alive until the end. Despite the serious nature of her illness, she maintained her unique outlook on life. She emphasized the importance of making the most of each day, remarking, "Every day is a gift: don't waste it arguing about parking spaces or inheritances." Her courage to speak so openly about her condition served as inspiration for many, turning her personal struggle with pain and loss, including the grief over the premature death of her boyfriend Alessandro Momo during her youth, and even her past battles with substance addiction, which she managed not to let define her.
Giorgi was particularly fond of music, and her final wishes included specific requests for her funeral. "For my funeral, I would like Pink Floyd and Procol Harum to be played," she expressed, ensuring her last moments would resonate with her lifelong passion for the arts. The Chiesa degli Artisti will host her funeral at 4 PM on March 5, 2025, where her family and friends will gather to celebrate her life. The celebration will be led by Monsignor Antonio Staglianò.
Her last days were described as both tragic and powerful, as she grappled with physical pain yet remained firmly connected to her loved ones. Echoing her sentiments, Giorgi reflected, "I have been afraid of living. But if I think about losing them, I cry so much I have to wring out my pillow.” Her candor about her fears and pains won the hearts of many and endeared her to fans across Italy and beyond.
Eleonora Giorgi leaves behind not only her sons and grandchildren but also countless memories and legacies etched within the hearts of her fans. The upcoming funeral will serve as both a farewell and a celebration of the life of a woman who embraced her vulnerabilities, faced adversity with grace and humor, and most of all, cherished her family fiercely. Giorgi's legacy will continue through her art and every life she touched with her openness and strength.
She once humorously referred to her illness as nothing more than managing "a shipwreck” and believed her mental fortitude was her greatest strength. Through laughter and tears, Eleonora Giorgi's life story reminds us all of the fragility of life and the importance of love and presence.