Unfortunate health update: Leopoldo Mastelloni experiences a stroke, leaving his recovery prospects ambiguous.
Leopoldo Mastelloni, the renowned Italian actor and director, is currently hospitalized at Rome's Fatebenefratelli hospital in critical condition due to a stroke. The veteran of theater and TV, best known for his cross-dressing roles and openly revealing his homosexuality, has been a staple in the Italian entertainment industry for over five decades.
Born in Naples in 1945 to a family of lawyers, Mastelloni began his stage career at the age of 20, performing works by Antonin Artaud, Jean Genet, and Hugo von Hofmannsthal under the direction of Gennaro Vitiello. His unique talent quickly caught the attention of the industry, leading him to appear in TV variety shows like Antonello Falqui's 'Bambole non c'è una lira' and later 'Studio '80'.
Mastelloni's career took a significant turn in 1984 when he was involved in the infamous blasphemy incident during the show Blitz. Despite this controversy, he returned to TV in 1988 thanks to Loretta Goggi's 'Via Teulada 66'.
In recent years, Mastelloni has faced financial struggles, which led to an extended period of unemployment. Gennaro Sangiuliano, the then-Culture Minister, took notice of his comments about his struggles and promised to look into possible assistance for him.
Despite these challenges, Mastelloni has continued his love for theater, performing works by Eduardo De Filippo, Carlo Goldoni, Giuseppe Patroni Griffi, Luigi Pirandello, and Raffaele Viviani. He also starred in Dario Argento's 'Inferno' and comedies like 'Culo e camicia' and 'Per favore, occupati di Amelia'.
In an interview last year with ANSA, Mastelloni opened up about his struggles with depression. He expressed fear of depression and shared his thoughts as dark. This candidness is also reflected in his upcoming memoir, titled "Così fan tutti", scheduled for release in September 2025. The memoir, published by Albatros-Il Filo, promises a personal and artistic journey from the acclaimed Italian performer.
The memoir will include conversations with Gassman, Vitti, Schygulla, unpublished encounters, and tidbits about Mastelloni's ancestors, one of whom was a Napoleonic judge. It is described by Mastelloni as a story of a "culturally bullied" person.
As Mastelloni's fans and well-wishers await his recovery, they can look forward to his memoir, a deeply personal account of his life and career, set to be published in September.
[1] Albatros-Il Filo: https://www.albatrosilfilo.it/ [3] Leopoldo Mastelloni recovers from mild stroke earlier in 2025: https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/files/2025/03/23/2025032315061641.html [4] Leopoldo Mastelloni's memoir set for release in September 2025: https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/files/2025/06/01/2025060112330111.html [5] Gennaro Sangiuliano promises assistance for Leopoldo Mastelloni: https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/files/2025/05/10/2025051016553036.html
- Despite his struggles with mental health, Leopoldo Mastelloni continues to delve into various aspects of art, including health-and-wellness through his candid discussions about depression.
- The upcoming memoir "Così fan tutti," penned by Mastelloni himself, offers an average reader a glimpse into the unique blend of science (theater and art) and mental health in the life of the celebrated performer.
- Known for his association with celebrities like Gassman, Vitti, and Schygulla, Mastelloni's memoir also encompasses entertainment as it dives into his life's journey, providing an engaging read for avid readers and enthusiasts of his work in the entertainment industry.
