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Costanzo’s contribution to the media industry and Italian television will be remembered, as he played a significant role in shaping the landscape of talk shows, launching numerous careers, and captivating audiences with his unique style and personality.
Maurizio Costanzo’s Biography
Maurizio Costanzo, born on 28 August 1938, was an influential and accomplished Italian television host, journalist, screenwriter, and film director.
He made important contributions to the media sector throughout his career and rose to prominence in Italian television.
Costanzo began his professional career as a writer, writing for newspapers such as Paese Sera and Grazia. As the founding editor of the journal L’Occhio in the late 1970s, he played a critical role. Simultaneously, he began his career as a radio and television host, noted for his subtle and low-key cynicism, which was well received by audiences.
“Bontà loro,” one of Costanzo’s outstanding shows, became a regular staple on RAI’s programming. However, his membership in the Propaganda 2 masonic lodge sparked controversy, prompting him to withdraw from the show.
Following that, he joined Silvio Berlusconi’s TV station, Canale 5, where he hosted the trailblazing chat show, “Maurizio Costanzo Show.” This creative programme provided a platform for discovering and launching different Italian artists and performers, considerably contributing to their success and popularity.
Costanzo’s communication and artistic expertise expanded beyond television. He worked as a “communication agent” and rhetorical adviser for a number of Italian politicians. He also taught at the Università degli Studi Niccol Cusano, demonstrating his depth of knowledge and experience in the field.
Costanzo dabbled in the film sector in addition to his work on television. In 1977, he created and directed his one and only feature film, “Melodrammore.” In addition, he co-wrote the words to the song “Se telefonando” in 1966, which became popular due to Mina’s voice.
On May 14, 1993, a bomb exploded near Costanzo’s automobile in Rome, threatening his life. He escaped the attack with minor injuries, but 23 people were injured.
Costanzo married four times in his personal life. In 1963, he married writer and photographer Lori Sammartino. He later married journalist Flaminia Morando and had two children with her. Costanzo was briefly involved with actress Simona Izzo after their divorce.
He married TV presenter Marta Flavi in 1989, but the marriage ended in divorce. In 1995, on his 57th birthday, he married Maria De Filippi, a well-known television host and producer. In 2004, they adopted a child together.
Maurizio Costanzo died on February 24, 2023, at the age of 84. His burial was held on February 27, 2023, at Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria in Montesanto, and he was laid to rest in the Campo Verano cemetery.
Who Is Maurizio Costanzo’s First Wife?
Maurizio Costanzo’s first wife is known as Lori Sammartino. The couple were married in the year 1963 but eventually divorced later on.
