Gaia Zucchi, actress and writer, is a multifaceted figure who has distinguished herself in the Italian artistic scene thanks to her innate passion for cinema, theater, and literature. With a career full of extraordinary experiences, Gaia has collaborated with some of the most prominent names in art and entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of her audience.
In this exclusive interview, Gaia opens the doors to her world, sharing her connections with the legendary Franco Zeffirelli, the challenges and satisfactions of her professional journey, and her future projects. Let’s discover together how her life has been influenced by great personalities in art and what emotions led her to write her first book, dedicated to Maestro Zeffirelli. But that’s not all: Gaia gives us an exclusive preview of her next editorial project, which promises to once again touch the hearts of her loyal readers.
Prepare for a fascinating journey through the life and career of a woman who has made art her raison d’être, always keeping an eye on the future. The foreword is by Maria Giovanna Elmi, a dear friend of mine.
- Question: The title of your book, The Neighbor of Zeffirelli, is very intriguing. Can you tell us how the title came about and what it represents for you?Gaia Zucchi: The title, The Neighbor of Zeffirelli, was an idea from my manager, brother, and friend, Walter Garibaldi, with whom I have a deep affection for over 30 years. It seemed like a nice title to tell a bit about my life through my friendship with these great personalities. Franco was a friend of mine, someone who cared deeply for me, who admired me, and in his way protected me. So it also seemed fitting to honor this figure of a man, this immense artist who, in my opinion, was not sufficiently valued in Italy. It’s a title that has proven to be successful; people like it a lot, as does the cover, which is cheerful and fun. It was a combination of factors that made the book and cover pleasant and appreciated.
- Question: In the book, you explore your relationship with Franco Zeffirelli. How has being close to a maestro of cinema and theater like him influenced your life and career?Gaia Zucchi: Obviously, the presence of someone with Franco Zeffirelli’s charisma positively influenced my life because I learned so much from him: the love for this job, many secrets, and great passion. I had the fortune of meeting immense personalities besides him, from whom I learned the value of humility, study, passion, and true love for one’s work. Personalities like Cher, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Sting, Jeremy Irons. Franco told me from the beginning: “If you love this work, study a lot.” I’m a rebel; I followed the Maestro’s advice but always did things my own way. Even though I studied a lot, graduating from the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, earning a degree in psychology, and taking numerous courses and masterclasses to continually improve myself, I still keep studying because you never stop learning. Regarding my career, it influenced me in the sense that I always wanted to do more and know more. However, I never mixed deep friendship with the Maestro with work, because, as you know, working closely with someone can strain relationships, which I never wanted or desired, and neither did the Maestro. When he was making a film, I might have been out on a theatrical tour.
- Question: What inspired you to write this book? Were there specific moments or events that pushed you to tell this story?Gaia Zucchi: For years, I was told to write because I have a gift for writing and my life is like a movie. They said, “You should write about your life, make a book, and then a film.” I always thought no one would be interested in reading my book and I always declined, saying it wasn’t the right time. Then, when my beloved and irreplaceable mother Mirella, who was my guide, my best friend, the best person I’ve ever met, passed away, the pain was so intense that I completely changed my life. My paths with the partner I had been with for years diverged, and I found myself alone with myself. I had a vision; I saw my mother who told me: “Write.” So, I started writing, and here we are. This book is dedicated to her, and I’m sure that behind the success of this book is her, because we are always in close contact. I feel she’s telling me that everything will be alright and that my life will take flight, that I must never give up, as she never did until the last moment. This is what led me to write this book.
- Question: In the book, Zeffirelli is portrayed as a complex figure. What aspects of his character impressed you the most, and how did you want to convey them to the readers?Gaia Zucchi: The aspects of Franco’s character that fascinated me the most were definitely his immense passion for work, his perfectionism, his tremendous generosity, and his authenticity. If Franco loved you, everything was fine, but if he didn’t like you, he could destroy you with sharp and cutting words. In the book, I convey this simply, always describing the truth about Franco, his passion for work, and the artist he was, especially his relationship with religion and the feelings he conveyed to me and that I tried to pass on to the readers.
- Question: Your personal experience is very present in the book. How difficult was it for you to share such intimate aspects of your life?Gaia Zucchi: Writing a book about oneself is very complex, but being a direct, genuine, spontaneous, and sincere person, I found it quite easy to talk about my private life. As an actress, I have always tried to convey my emotions and feelings by playing other characters, but always drawing from myself. With the book, it was different; I put these emotions in writing and allowed myself to be carried away. As I do in every interview, I try to be true, always myself, and this touches people’s hearts, who have appreciated my honesty and my way of being. We are all in search of truth.
- Question: Zeffirelli is known for his extraordinary career in cinema and theater. Is there a specific work or project that left a particularly strong impression on you during your time with him?Gaia Zucchi: Zeffirelli was undoubtedly a great artist in many respects, especially an eclectic man. I fell in love with him by seeing him at work. One of the films that struck me deeply was The Champion, and then Tea with Mussolini, filmed right in the Appian Way park, where my son Francesco’s father is part of the cast and acts as an actor. There isn’t one particular moment or film that stands out because each one left me with something. They are all small great masterpieces, from Jesus of Nazareth to Brother Sun, Sister Moon and all his works, including theatrical ones. They are masterpieces, and it was a source of pride for me to be alongside Franco during the production, observing how a great artist works. It perplexes me that so many young people today don’t know who Franco Zeffirelli is, have no idea. That’s why I’d like to bring the book to schools and introduce this artist to new generations.
- Question: Your book also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of cinema and theater. What are the most valuable lessons you learned from Zeffirelli in this context?Gaia Zucchi: I deeply love cinema and theater, and from the Maestro, I learned the passion for this craft. I’m sorry that today we’re losing the true sense of this work. Growing up alongside immense personalities, you form yourself more completely and wish to share this experience with the world, but it’s often impossible, especially in today’s era where work on set is done quickly, with little love, to produce rapidly. There’s less and less audience in theaters, especially after COVID. Finding work isn’t easy; nothing is easy anymore. It has become an almost impossible world, where only a great love for the craft keeps you hoping. The most valuable lessons I’ve learned are never to give up, never to leave anything to chance, and to always keep studying, studying, and deepening. My book has been defined by the great Ermanno Corsi, president of the Order of Journalists of Naples for over 30 years and a writer, as a book of formation, a book of advice for young people, so they don’t fall into clichés and traps in cinema and theater, professions that also conceal great disappointments.
- Question: The Neighbor of Zeffirelli is also a celebration of friendship and human connections. How would you define the legacy that Zeffirelli left in your heart and life?Gaia Zucchi: Franco Zeffirelli left an indelible mark on me. He taught me so much and transmitted so much love and admiration. The most beautiful thing is that this love and admiration were mutual, as shown by the numerous videos, letters, and messages Franco sent me. He taught me never to give up and never to bow my head, to love this work and honor it, always with the utmost humility but also with great pride and passion. Franco always told me: “Keep believing in yourself because you are a talented girl, despite all the adversities you may encounter in life.” Franco was like a grandfather, a father, a friend, a man who left a great imprint on me and will always remain in my heart, as he will in the hearts of everyone who knew him. There will never be another Zeffirelli, because he was unique and unrepeatable, and I am proud to say that I had the honor of being his friend.
- Question: What do you hope readers will take away from this book? What is the main message you want to convey?Gaia Zucchi: I hope readers will not only find a message of hope in the book but also an awareness that life is made up of both beautiful and difficult moments, and that we must face them all with courage and determination. The book tells the story of a girl who had a very challenging life and, despite all the difficulties, managed to find her way, thanks in part to encounters with extraordinary people like Franco Zeffirelli. The message I want to convey is that you should always believe in yourself, never give up, and keep fighting for your dreams, because in the end, with work, passion, and determination, dreams can come true.
- Question: Have you had the opportunity to show the book to people close to Zeffirelli? If so, what was their reaction?Gaia Zucchi: I know for sure that people close to Zeffirelli have read the book and were particularly impressed. They thanked me and were very happy with how I honored Franco’s memory. I haven’t received any negative feedback from anyone, and for me, that is a great success. That’s all.
- Question: Zeffirelli always had a very specific and passionate artistic vision. How did it influence your view of art and creativity?Gaia Zucchi: I believe I’ve already partially answered this question. Zeffirelli greatly influenced my view of art, cinema, theater, and how to approach this work. I have always approached everything with meticulousness because he transmitted to me the true passion and love for art. You should never leave anything to chance. Never, ever, ever. I will carry his teachings with me for life. These are positive influences that sometimes also make you realize how superficial things can be. Facing these great masters can cause some anxiety, but it’s a constructive and pleasant anxiety that pushes you to constantly improve, grow, and delve deeper because you’ve had the fortune to engage with masters of excellence and you must make the most of it.
- Question: Are you working on any new editorial projects? Do you think you will continue to explore personal stories related to figures in the art world?Gaia Zucchi: Yes, I’m revealing for the first time in this interview that my second book is in progress, requested by a multitude of fans and followers. I couldn’t disappoint them after this reprint, which is like a new book, as it has been expanded with added chapters and a replacement of all the photographs. This book is full of my photographs, and the public appreciated it because, through each chapter and these images, they could experience my adventures, see my children, my private life, and my work. I’ve changed and added photos taken by some of the greatest international photographers, further enriching the book. This is another stroke of luck. There are private photos, in addition to those by Carlo Bellincampi (cover), Daniele Pedone, Sandro Canestrelli, and many others. You need to buy the book to see them and read it.I’m writing The Neighbor of Gina because, in this park, I was also the neighbor of the great and legendary Gina Lollobrigida. Given the great interest generated by recent events related to Gina, this will be my second book, which will be a sort of sequel. I’m preparing the material, writing, and looking for photos. Alessandro Basso has designed the new cover, still in the same style, very beautiful and colorful. The cover was very well received and has even won awards. The title is also the result of an idea by Walter Garibaldi, and the winning team remains unchanged, so Andrea Di Bella and Niki Marcelli will continue to be part of it. After this, I will write a third book, completely different. I enjoy writing, I have appreciated this experience as a writer, and I will continue. But my real dream, which I hope to realize soon, is to bring The Neighbor of Zeffirelli to the big screen, maybe as a film or even as a TV series, and also to the stage, so both The Neighbor of Zeffirelli and The Neighbor of Gina. I am working on this. I believe I have given a genuine, detailed, and lengthy interview. Until next time!
Foto di Roberto Gabriele