Luca Zingaretti, the celebrated Italian actor known for his role as the beloved Inspector Montalbano, graced the popular talk show Verissimo on Saturday, March 29, 2025, to discuss his much-anticipated directorial debut in the film La casa degli sguardi. Set to hit theaters on April 10, the film marks a significant milestone in Zingaretti's career, as he transitions from acting to directing.
During the interview with host Silvia Toffanin, Zingaretti revealed that the desire to direct has been brewing for nearly a decade. "I had been cultivating this desire for about 10 years, and when I found this story, I decided it was the right time to get behind the camera," he explained. The film, inspired by the novel of the same name by poet Daniele Mencarelli, tells the poignant story of a boy grappling with profound emotional challenges who turns to alcohol but ultimately finds a path to redemption.
While discussing the film, Zingaretti also opened up about his personal life, particularly his enduring relationship with actress Luisa Ranieri, whom he married in 2012. The couple, who have been together since 2005, share two daughters: Emma, born in 2011, and Bianca, born in 2015. Zingaretti affectionately described his family life, stating, "I have always been surrounded by women, and I adore my daughters. They teach me to see the world through a child's eyes."
Reflecting on their relationship, Zingaretti shared, "We are a normal couple fortunate to love each other, and our profession helps us maintain that. Sometimes we are apart, and that distance makes us appreciate our time together more." He praised Ranieri, saying, "Luisa is wonderful; I was lucky to meet her. Whatever I say will sound trivial. You can see it in my eyes; she is truly special."
Ranieri, who was present during the filming of La casa degli sguardi, was visibly moved when she first viewed the completed project, telling Zingaretti, "Bravo," which he described as all the validation he needed.
Before his relationship with Ranieri, Zingaretti was married to journalist and writer Margherita D'Amico. They tied the knot in 1997 and collaborated on the documentary Gulu in 2002, for which they received the prestigious Colombe d'Oro for peace. However, their marriage ended in separation in 2004 and a final divorce in 2008. Zingaretti's past experiences have shaped his outlook on love and family, emphasizing the importance of understanding and communication in his current relationship.
In the interview, Zingaretti also reminisced about his early aspirations, revealing, "Initially, I wanted to be a journalist, but I fell in love with acting after accompanying a friend to an audition." He credited his mother for supporting his passion for the arts, while his father was initially hesitant but eventually became supportive of his career choice.
As he continues to evolve in his career, Zingaretti expressed his youthful spirit, stating, "I feel like a young man, and curiosity keeps me young." This sentiment resonates with his approach to both his professional and personal life, where he embraces the complexities and joys of being surrounded by women, joking about the lone male presence in the household—a male dog.
In a world where relationships can sometimes face the strain of daily routines, Zingaretti and Ranieri have found a balance that works for them. Ranieri, in a previous interview with Vanity Fair, shared insights into their dynamic, noting, "We work a lot, spend quality time together, but we don’t live the kind of daily life that can suffocate relationships. That’s our fortune." Zingaretti echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding in their marriage.
As Zingaretti embarks on this new chapter as a director, fans and followers of the couple eagerly anticipate both the film and the insights into their lives that they continue to share. With a successful career spanning decades and a loving family, Luca Zingaretti exemplifies the blend of professional achievement and personal fulfillment.
In summary, Luca Zingaretti's appearance on Verissimo not only highlighted his upcoming film but also offered a glimpse into his life as a devoted husband and father. As he prepares to unveil La casa degli sguardi to audiences, the actor's journey from beloved character to director showcases his versatility and passion for storytelling, both on and off the screen.
