Italian actor and director Luca Zingaretti captivated audiences during his appearance on the popular television show Domenica In on April 6, 2025. The interview, hosted by Mara Venier, provided a glimpse into Zingaretti's personal life, his illustrious career, and his new role as a filmmaker.
Zingaretti, best known for his portrayal of the beloved character Salvo Montalbano, shared insights into his journey in the entertainment industry and discussed his passion project, La casa degli sguardi, which marks his directorial debut. The film, based on the novel by Daniele Mencarelli, is set to hit theaters on April 10, 2025.
During the interview, Zingaretti expressed his excitement about stepping behind the camera after a decade-long desire to direct. "It was about ten years that I had this desire to move to directing," he explained. "When I found this story, I decided it was the right time to take the plunge." He described the process of writing the screenplay as particularly challenging, stating, "It was demanding, especially the writing part."
In La casa degli sguardi, Zingaretti not only directs but also stars in the film as Marco's father, the protagonist. Initially reluctant to act in the film, he was persuaded by friends who believed he was perfect for the role. "I hadn’t even thought about acting in the film, but many people kept telling me, 'You would be perfect as Marco's father.' So, that’s how it went," he recalled.
The film's narrative resonates deeply with Zingaretti, focusing on themes of resilience and hope. He chose this story because it illustrates how individuals can find light even in the darkest of times. "It moves me to see a human being who rises up after facing so many adversities. We should always make films for the people, and this story, which conveys hope, conquered me," he stated.
Aside from discussing his film, Zingaretti also reflected on his personal life, particularly his relationship with actress Luisa Ranieri, whom he married in 2012. The couple met while filming Cefalonia in 2005. Zingaretti shared a charming account of his courtship, revealing, "I tried everything to win her over, but she wasn’t interested in 'set relationships.' She said, 'Let’s see what happens after the film to see if we still like each other.'"
Despite the initial hurdles, Zingaretti's persistence paid off. "In the end, the film wrapped, and we found we still had something to say to each other. I was so embarrassed because I liked her so much, and filming seduction scenes with someone who wasn’t interested in me was quite challenging," he admitted.
The couple has two daughters, Emma, born in 2005, and Bianca, born in 2015. Zingaretti shared a touching detail about naming their first daughter after his mother, stating, "It was a gift from Luisa; she knew the bond I had with my mother, and I appreciated that gesture of love from her. I would never have dared to ask her to name our daughter that."
As the conversation shifted, Zingaretti and Venier addressed pressing social issues, including the recent femicides of Sara Campanella and Ilaria Sula. Zingaretti emphasized the importance of both parents in educating children, particularly fathers. "Besides the mother’s role, the father’s involvement is crucial in raising children. We need to reach the new generations from the beginning, starting in schools. They are in a bubble, and they don’t communicate anymore," he said, stressing the need for empathy and connection.
He continued, "We have reached levels of empathy deficiency that we can no longer afford. We must start talking to them again; otherwise, the situation will continue to deteriorate."
Born on November 11, 1961, in Rome, Zingaretti has had a prolific career spanning decades. He first gained recognition in 1997 with his role in the miniseries La Piovra and achieved iconic status as Salvo Montalbano from 1999 until 2021. His portrayal of the character won him numerous accolades and a dedicated fan base both in Italy and abroad.
Throughout his career, Zingaretti has starred in over 40 films and numerous theater productions. He has received multiple Nastro d'Argento awards, including one for his voice role in the animated film Finding Nemo in 2003. His versatility has allowed him to take on various roles, including significant portrayals of historical figures such as Paolo Borsellino and Adriano Olivetti.
In addition to his artistic achievements, Zingaretti has also been involved in politics during his youth, having been active in the Partito di Unità Proletaria per il Comunismo. He briefly pursued a soccer career with Rimini before choosing to attend the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica, where he honed his acting skills.
As he embarks on this new chapter of his career as a director, Zingaretti remains committed to telling stories that resonate with audiences. His passion for filmmaking and dedication to his craft shine through in his work, and he hopes that La casa degli sguardi will reach as many people as possible.
With a career that has spanned decades and a personal life filled with love and commitment, Luca Zingaretti continues to be a beloved figure in Italian cinema. As he steps into the director's chair, fans eagerly await the release of La casa degli sguardi, a film that promises to inspire and uplift.
