In a remarkable tale of resilience and artistry, 25-year-old Giovanni Bagnasco has captured the hearts of audiences with his portrayal of Ippolito in the new series L'Arte della Gioia. Born in the province of Siena with Treacher Collins syndrome, a congenital condition that affects facial bones and cartilage, Bagnasco has turned what could have been a life of despair into a powerful narrative of joy and acceptance.
Debuting at the Cannes Film Festival, L'Arte della Gioia has been airing on Sky and streaming on Now from February 28 to March 14, 2025. The series, directed by Valeria Golino, features Bagnasco as Ippolito Brandiforti, the sole heir of the Brandiforti family, who is confined to a room due to his deformity. Tecla Insolia, who plays the protagonist, has already garnered acclaim, winning the Premio David as Best New Actress.
Bagnasco's journey to stardom was not straightforward. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, he discussed his experiences with bullying, revealing that while he was not directly bullied for his appearance, he often felt the weight of others' stares. "I could write a book on the looks I've received... I know what it's like to wonder, 'What are they thinking?'" he shared. However, he emphasized that he has moved past those feelings, stating, "Now, I don’t care anymore."
The actor's early aspirations were rooted in music. As a child, he wrote rap lyrics and experimented with fantasy storytelling. However, after facing the harsh realities of adolescence and the cruelty of those around him, he shifted his focus. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, which he describes as a "little component" of his life, he found solace in creative expression.
Before stepping into the spotlight, Bagnasco joined the Freaks modeling agency, hoping to carve out a niche in the fashion industry. It was there that he caught the attention of Golino, who chose him for the role of Ippolito. "She squatted down, placed her hands on my knees, and without me asking, told me what I needed to hear: 'The character isn’t stupid; he’s just been isolated for so long,'" Bagnasco recalled.
In his portrayal of Ippolito, Bagnasco infused the character with elements of his own life experience. He described the role as a challenge that allowed him to express the rage and tenderness within him. "In Ippolito, I could put everything that was boiling inside me: the docile part and the volcanic one," he explained.
Despite his newfound fame, Bagnasco remains grounded. He lives in Chianciano Terme, where he works as a gardener, and he is selective about his social media presence, preferring to share updates only when he has new projects to showcase. His dedication to authenticity extends beyond performance; he actively seeks to connect with those who face similar struggles, expressing empathy for abandoned children and victims of discrimination.
Reflecting on his condition, Bagnasco shared, "I learned that I was meant to be born this way. If you dwell on the why, you only waste energy. The positive side is that this experience has allowed me to relate to those facing the absurd." His perspective on life has evolved significantly; what once brought him to tears now fuels his passion for acting and music.
Treacher Collins syndrome, which affects approximately 1 in 10,000 to 50,000 individuals, is characterized by underdeveloped facial bones, anomalies of the ear, and potential hearing loss. The condition is caused by genetic mutations affecting the development of facial structures during the early stages of pregnancy. Bagnasco’s openness about his experiences aims to raise awareness and foster understanding about the syndrome, much like the 2017 film Wonder, which portrayed a young boy with a craniofacial deformity.
As Bagnasco continues to pursue his career in acting while nurturing his passion for music, he embodies a message of perseverance and self-acceptance. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that one can find beauty and purpose in the face of adversity. "I am a normal guy, just a bit like Ippolito, 'the monster.' The word no longer hurts me; it’s a small part of my life," he concluded.
In a world that often prioritizes conventional beauty, Giovanni Bagnasco stands out not just for his unique appearance but for his remarkable spirit and talent. As audiences embrace his performance in L'Arte della Gioia, they are reminded that joy can be found even in the most challenging circumstances.
