Smitten by acting at the tender age of nine, Massimo Reale has been an actor almost all of his life. But whereas many stars tend to lose their way, get caught up in all the hoopla, or succumb to the pressures of life in the public eye, Massimo remains refreshingly unaffected by his success and grounded.
Born and raised in Florence and classically trained in both voice and theater, Massimo has delivered stellar performances throughout his career. From his younger years where he starred in “Classe di Ferro” to his stage work, “Gli Amici Degli Amici” to his latest venture, that of playing the role of Carlo Papini, a former policeman who is confined to a wheelchair, Massimo continues to work hard at perfecting the craft he so clearly loves.
I caught up with the busy actor as he chatted to me about his simple but elegant taste in fashion, his childhood in Florence, and why doing what he loves is much more important than being a “divo.”
Gaya Lynn: It is such a pleasure interviewing you for L’Italo-Americano. I always see you dressed in such wonderful classic attire, sort of like a college professor. Tell me about your style.
Massimo Reale: I love simplicity… In terms of fashion, I abide by this quote: ‘When you walk out on the street, and people look at you, well, you’re dressed poorly.’
GL: Ok. But you look handsome and distinguished so people will just look at your for those reasons. Tell me, what does la moda Italiana mean to you.
MR: Valentino, Armani, Fendi, Pucci, Versace. They have all put that Italian genius touch and embedded it within the fabric! They have infused within their clothes qualities that the world identifies our country with: beauty, imagination, colors, vitality, the art of seduction, and the dolce vita….
GL: You have had such an amazing career in all three realms: theater, television and film. There are those in the entertainment world who would just love to have a resume like yours. Other than talent, what have been some of your secrets to your success?
MR: Rather than concentrating just on obtaining success, I always prefer to do things I truly love. Plus, I would say a strong determination, and the ability to fight for your dreams are two qualities that have been most helpful.
GL: Do you have any advice for an actor or actress who is just starting out?
MR: Never give up until you firmly believe in what you do.
GL: For many who work in Hollywood, it is difficult to lead a normal life. With the Paparazzi, the pressure to have a hit movie, there is so much stress behind the fame. Is it like that in Italy?
MR: I am not a “divo,” I am an actor. It’s totally different. Generally speaking, there are very few Italian divas in Italy, and the lives of Italian actors and what they earn in comparison to Americans are profoundly different.
GL: Let’s talk about your childhood in Florence, Italy. Tell me about life in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
MR: I was born and raised in Florence…. it was a fantastic and intimate city, full of beauty…Florence is a cultural gem.
GL: When you were just nine years old, you already knew that you wanted to be an actor. Were your parents artists? What did they do to encourage your dream?
MR: My parents were not artists, but my mother was passionate about theater. The moment they took me to the Teatro della Pergola to see a show…that moment sealed my fate. I entered the theater as a spectator but I left as an aspiring actor.
GL: You live in Rome now. Just curious. Do you ever miss the typical Tuscan meals such as Pansanella, Bistecca Fiorentina, la schiacciata?
MR: Fortunately, Florence is just an hour and a half by train. So it is easy to return these amazing dishes!
GL: How is life in Rome?
MR: I love Rome, and I never get tired of exploring the city by motocicletta from the Coliseum to the suburbs.
GL: Has there ever been a moment when you have said to yourself, “Eh, I did it! I have succeeded as an actor.”
MR: I never think to myself, “I have made it.” Those who have truly “made it” are generally already dead.
GL: Despite such competition, you have always worked steadily and prolifically as an actor. Has there ever been a moment where you did not get a role or a call back?
MR: I have gone through difficult moments, really hard ones. I have tried to cope by taking small steps. My background is in psychology, and “arte Terapia” and there’s my love for equestrian horseback riding…. I graduated in psychology and I’ve been a part of 350 horseback riding races like Gentlemen Rider- these have definitely helped me.
GL: Who are some of your favorite Italian American actors?
MR: Vincent Gallo, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and many others. American Actors are wonderful in being both real and epic at the same time. It’s a pleasure seeing them act.
GL: Now let’s talk about your hit Italian series, REX. Tell me about your role as Carlo Papini. How did you prepare both mentally and physically for this role?
MS: Carlo Papini is a former policeman, who had lost the use of his legs after being shot in the line of duty. After a period of depression, he [Papini] decides to take up his studies again in criminology and work with the police. In order to prepare for this role, I had to sit in a wheelchair and see the world from there. A world of pitfalls and insurmountable obstacles [I had to face] every three meters.
GL: Do you have anything in common with Carlo Papini?
MS: My willingness to understand and my curiosity.
GL: Grazie mille! Sei stato favoloso!
Special thanks to press agent, Katya Marletta.
For more information about Mr. Reale, go to www.massimoreale.it
After living in Italy for years, Gaya now resides in California. www.msgaya.com
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