Eleonora Giorgi, the celebrated Italian actress, passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 71 after battling pancreatic cancer. Her life was marked by notable triumphs and deep personal struggles, transforming her romantic relationships with two husbands and other famous figures, such as her first love, Alessandro Momo.
Born in 1953 to parents of English and Hungarian descent, Giorgi quickly ascended to fame, reflecting the beauty and sensuality of the 1970s Italian cinema. Despite her glamorous public image, Giorgi's life was also shaped by tragedy. Her first significant love was with young actor Alessandro Momo, whose untimely death in 1974, at just 22 years old during a motorcycle accident, left Eleonora heartbroken. "I found myself immersed in something crazy; I couldn’t eat or go out, all I had was heroin," she later revealed, highlighting the difficult times she experienced following Momo's death.
Her life took a pivotal turn when she met Angelo Rizzoli, who became not only her husband but also her anchor during turbulent times. The couple married on December 15, 1979, at the Basilica of San Marco in Venice and welcomed their first child, Andrea Rizzoli, born just months later. Their relationship was intense yet tumultuous, marked by Rizzoli's legal troubles relating to the P2 scandal, which culminated in his imprisonment. "Angelo was the kindest person; at the time, I was struggling with my health, and he truly supported me," Giorgi reminisced about their early days together.
Despite their strong bond, the pressures of fame and Rizzoli's scandals led to their divorce by 1984. "I felt betrayed by his untruths and inability to face our difficulties together," said Giorgi during one of her interviews. Throughout her career, she faced the repercussions of this scandal, seeking solace away from the media spotlight.
It was on the set of 'Sapore di Mare 2' where she met actor Massimo Ciavarro, sparking another passionate romance. Their chemistry was palpable, leading the couple to leave the hustle of public life to enjoy some tranquility on their farm. They welcomed their son, Paolo Ciavarro, born on October 22, 1991, and married in 1993. Giorgi, reflecting on their relationship, shared, "We chose to live simply, producing olive oil and raising animals together." Yet, after approximately three years of marriage, the couple separated, with Giorgi later stating, "It ended because men tend to take you for granted after a certain point."
Aside from her marriages, Giorgi had brief yet intense relationships with other famous personalities, including American actor Warren Beatty. This romance blossomed shortly after the success of her film 'Borotalco', yet it was her connection with writer Andrea De Carlo from 1996 until 2007 which left her reflecting deeply on love. "If I had met him when I was 16, we would have explored the world together," she expressed, acknowledging the intellectual depth he brought to her life.
Despite the end of her marriages and significant relationships, Giorgi remained close to Rizzoli and Ciavarro, particularly for the sake of their sons. She often commented on their lasting bond, indicating, "Our romantic relations may have ended, but respect and care remained constant."
Towards the end of her life, Giorgi faced her most challenging battle—her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, which she spoke about publicly starting December 2023. She remained positive, wanting to cherish her remaining time saying, "I want more life in the days I have left. Don’t let unnecessary anxieties consume you." Both of her sons rallied around her during this difficult period, reflecting their shared strength and united family support.
Eleonora Giorgi's life—filled with glamorous highs and personal lows—remains a compelling story of resilience and love. The legacy she leaves behind, enriched by her relationships, work, and unwavering spirit, will resonate with her family, friends, and fans forever.