Eva Grimaldi, the noted Italian actress, is set to be one of the featured guests on the upcoming episode of Storie di Donne al Bivio, premiering on January 3, 2025. Grimaldi has been open about her life experiences, including her recent coming out, which she first shared during her participatrion on the Italian reality show L’Isola dei Famosi. Speaking with Vanessa Fair, the actress explained, "Per un comportamento di lealtà nei confronti del pubblico [...] ho voluto dare dignità alla nostra storia." (Out of loyalty to the audience, I wanted to give dignity to our story.)
At fifty and after years of keeping her relationship with fellow activist Imma Battaglia private, Grimaldi realized it was time to live truthfully and publicly. "Mi piacerebbe poter vivere a testa alta, ricevendo amore e un’autostima che con Eva Grimaldi un po’ si è mistificata," she added, expressing her desire for acceptance and self-love. Throughout her life, Grimaldi has faced immense challenges, including her battle with addiction and bullying during her youth.
While her romantic history includes beautiful memories and notable figures such as Roberto Benigni and Claudio Amendola, Grimaldi's focus is now entirely on her life with Battaglia. They officially married on May 19, 2019, after years of relationship, which began when they met at the Gay Village back in 2008. The couple has become prominent advocates for LGBTQ rights, with Battaglia herself being highly influential and dedicated to activism.
Grimaldi has often credited her family for the values instilled in her, claiming her parents taught her all about respect and love. The loss of her mother, which occurred in 2017, deeply affected her. "Mia madre mi ha insegnato a vivere ed a essere felice nonchè nel credere nei sogni," she reflected, underscoring the powerful influence her late mother had on her life and aspirations.
Despite the adversities she faced growing up, which included struggles with stuttering and the experience of bullying, Grimaldi has emerged as an inspiring figure. During her time on L’Isola dei Famosi, she discussed how the effects of addiction and the pressures of fame exacerbated her insecurities. "Grazie a Dio mi sono salvata, stavo malissimo, con la cocaina balbettavo ancora di più," she stated, recalling the challenges of overcoming her past.
Eva Grimaldi’s narrative is not just about battling personal demons, but about embracing love and earning her rightful place as a proud member of the LGBTQ community. For her, sharing her story serves as both catharsis and empowerment, choice meant to uplift others who may feel left behind or marginalized.
Through her openness, Grimaldi has become more than just a beloved actress; she embodies resilience and hope. Today, she walks hand-in-hand with Imma Battaglia, unafraid to live her life ‘a testa alta.’ Whether tackling the challenges of the past or celebrating her present, Grimaldi continues to resonate powerfully across various landscapes of Italian society.
This upcoming program, Storie di Donne al Bivio, promises to showcase the nuances of her compelling life story and the heartfelt lessons she has learned along the way.