Roberta Giarrusso: Sicily in her heart, art in her soul
Roberta Giarrusso, a Palermo-born actress born in 1982, made her first debut into show business by participating in Miss Italia in 2001. She became popular thanks to the role of Sonia in the TV series “Carabinieri”. Since then, her career has spanned film, theater, and television, showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility. Deeply connected to her Sicilian roots, Roberta has turned her passion for the arts into a journey of success, all while maintaining her bond with her homeland. In this Sicilian Secrets interview, she opens up about her professional and personal journey, filled with dreams, challenges, and exciting new projects.
Q: Your career in show business began with Miss Italia in 2001 and blossomed into a successful acting career. When you left Palermo for the first time, what hopes did you pack in your suitcase?
A: When I was cast in “Carabinieri”, I had no idea it would become my profession, I couldn’t grasp what was happening. At the time, I was still attending school, fresh from my Miss Italia experience, and considering the possibility of becoming an actress. I had auditioned for a guest role in “Carabinieri”, and one day, while hanging out in Mondello with friends, my agent called to tell me I’d be on set in 20 days. I rushed home to tell my mom, completely stunned. Sitting in my room, I started thinking about the future. Truthfully, I left Palermo with a suitcase full of questions and no answers. I arrived in Città della Pieve to begin my first acting job as a co-lead. One year, I was a complete unknown, and the next, people were stopping me for photos and autographs. It was simply overwhelming.
Q: Your breakthrough came with the TV series “Carabinieri”, where you acted alongside well-known TV personalities. What did that experience mean to you?
A: My very first scene, my first ever, was with Pino Caruso and Paolo Villaggio. I still remember the incredible emotion; I was terrified, my legs trembling. “Carabinieri” changed my life. It made me famous, and my character Sonia became a fan favorite. It was a hugely successful series, with weekly viewership ratings hitting 30%.
Q: Over the years, we’ve seen you on TV in shows like Tale & Quale Show, as well as in cinema and theater. What does Roberta Giarrusso enjoy doing the most?
A: Everything! I want to do it all! (she laughs) Over the years, I’ve said ‘No’ many times, which is why I can confirm that everything I’ve done has truly been something I loved. Theater and singing are what make me happiest, if I were reborn, I’d be a singer. Tale & Quale Show allowed me to express my passion. Honestly, I could devote myself solely to theater, as nothing compares to the live audience’s energy. The creative process of building a character and watching a performance take shape is fascinating and fun. Plus, no two shows are ever the same, you change, and so does the audience.
Q: You’re Sicilian, and specifically from Palermo. How does your Sicilian identity influence you?
A: I believe we Southerners have an emotional depth rooted in our homeland. In our veins flows the infinity of the sea, the fire of volcanoes, and the cultural environment where friendship and family are paramount. I carry those things within me, and they’ve positively influenced my work. That said, my Sicilian identity hasn’t been showcased much, apart from my role as Giulia Platania in “Squadra Antimafia”. Unfortunately, I haven’t worked much in Sicily.
Q: Is there a particular place in Sicily you hold dear?
A: Mondello! I grew up there. My childhood memories – like my grandmother taking me to the beach at 7:00 a.m. by bus – and my teenage years are all tied to that place. Mondello beach was where I met friends, experienced first loves, and took my first steps in fashion.
Q: Just recently, “The Garbage Man”, directed by Alfonso Bergamo, hit theaters. Alongside your name – Roberta Giarrusso – we see other Sicilian actors like Paolo Briguglia and Tony Sperandeo. What can you tell us about this experience, and why should people watch it?
A: Working with Tony Sperandeo was an honor, he’s an extraordinary actor. Paolo Briguglia is also a top-tier professional, refined and cultured. It was a joy to share the set with them, and I’ll always cherish the time spent filming “The Garbage Man”. The movie is a metaphor for a street cleaner who seeks to rid the world of evil. My character is a woman fleeing an abusive husband, with a daughter in tow, who eventually falls for the protagonist. Why should people watch it? Because it’s a unique story that explores the dynamics surrounding this garbage man. It’s a neo-noir film that reflects many of us: those on the margins, those who struggle every day, those who feel invisible.
Q: Looking to the future, do you have new projects lined up? And if you could open your box of dreams, is there a role you still wish to play?
A: I dream of playing a Sicilian character, maybe in one of Emma Dante’s beautiful films, like “Le sorelle Macaluso”. For now, I’m focusing on my ‘certain’ future! I recently finished filming “Broken Family” in Morocco. Directed by Rocco Ricciardulli, this film features Alessio Boni, Marcello Fonte, Gaia Bermani Amaral, and Aurélien Recoing, and it’s set in Marrakesh.
