Massimo Gramellini, born on October 2, 1960, in Turin, Italy, is a well-respected journalist, author, and television personality. His journey from a young boy facing personal tragedies to becoming one of Italy’s most influential writers is a story of resilience, talent, and the power of the written word. This article delves deep into his life, exploring his early years, rise to fame, and key life highlights.
Early Life and Personal Tragedy
Massimo Gramellini was born into a family of Romagnole origins. His childhood was marked by a profound tragedy when, at just nine years old, he lost his mother, Giuseppina, to suicide. She took her life by jumping out of their home window after a long battle with cancer. This traumatic event cast a long shadow over his early years and would later influence his writing and public persona.
Gramellini only fully uncovered the details of his mother’s death in 2010, years after he had established himself as a prominent figure in Italian journalism. This revelation came through a close family connection and after the publication of his novel, L’ultima riga delle favole (The Last Line of the Fairy Tales), which deals with themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning.
Education and Early Career
Massimo Gramellini pursued his education at the Istituto San Giuseppe in Turin, where he completed his classical studies. He then enrolled in the Faculty of Law but soon found his calling in journalism. In the autumn of 1985, he began his journalistic career by collaborating with the sports section of the Turin-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport – Stadio.
A year later, in 1986, he was hired as a trainee at Il Giorno, working in the sports department. His early work in journalism involved covering significant events in the sports world, including the first championship win of Silvio Berlusconi’s AC Milan. Gramellini’s detailed and engaging reporting on sports gained him recognition, especially his coverage of major tennis tournaments worldwide.
Transition to Political Journalism
In the winter of 1988, Gramellini moved to Rome to work for La Stampa, one of Italy’s leading newspapers. Though he initially covered sports, his focus soon shifted to political journalism. By 1991, he left the world of sports behind and became a political correspondent, covering key events during Italy’s tumultuous political era of the early 1990s. He provided firsthand accounts of the Mani Pulite (Clean Hands) investigations, which led to the collapse of the First Republic and the emergence of the Second Republic.
His reporting during this period was marked by incisive commentary and a deep understanding of the political landscape. His work earned him a reputation as a sharp and insightful journalist.
Personal Life and Literary Success
Massimo Gramellini married fellow journalist Maria Laura Rodotà in the early 1990s. The couple’s marriage was marked by a shared sense of humor and wit, often likened to dialogues scripted by Woody Allen. However, their relationship eventually ended in divorce.
In 1998, after his divorce, Gramellini returned to Milan to take on the role of director of Specchio, a weekly supplement of La Stampa. During this time, he launched the popular column Cuori allo Specchio (Hearts in the Mirror), a sort of advice column that resonated with many readers.
His real breakthrough came with the launch of his daily column Buongiorno (Good Morning) in 1999, which appeared on the front page of La Stampa. This column, which offered pithy and often poignant reflections on current events, quickly became a favorite among readers and solidified his place as one of Italy’s most influential journalists.
In addition to his journalistic achievements, Gramellini also found success as a novelist. His debut novel, L’ultima riga delle favole, sold over 250,000 copies in Italy. This was followed by his second novel, Fai bei sogni (Sweet Dreams), published in March 2012. This book, a semi-autobiographical account of his mother’s death and its impact on his life, became a bestseller, selling half a million copies in less than two months.
Gramellini’s literary career continued to flourish with several other publications, including 1994 colpo grosso (1994 Big Hit), Ci salveranno gli ingenui (The Naive Will Save Us), and La patria, bene o male (The Fatherland, For Better or Worse), co-written with Carlo Fruttero.
Influence and Legacy
Massimo Gramellini’s work has been deeply influenced by his admiration for Indro Montanelli, one of Italy’s most celebrated journalists. Gramellini has often cited Montanelli as a major inspiration, along with other prominent figures like Gabriele Romagnoli, Antonio Socci, Cristiano Gatti, Concita De Gregorio, Mattia Feltri, and Michele Serra.
Beyond journalism, Gramellini is known for his love of music, particularly the band Genesis, and his favorite film, The Graduate. His cultural tastes reflect his intellectual depth and eclectic interests.
Television Career and Recent Works
In the autumn of 2016, Gramellini expanded his reach to television, hosting the program Le parole della settimana (The Words of the Week) on Rai 3. The show aired every weekend before Che tempo che fa (How’s the Weather), where he provided commentary on the most significant news of the week.
After spending 28 years with La Stampa, Gramellini bid farewell to his readers in January 2017 with a final Buongiorno column. Shortly after, he joined Corriere della Sera, another prestigious Italian newspaper, where he began writing a daily column called Il caffè (The Coffee).
In March 2019, at the age of 58, Gramellini became a father for the first time when his wife, author Simona Sparaco, gave birth to their son, Tommaso. The experience of becoming a father later in life inspired Gramellini to write Prima che tu venga al mondo (Before You Come into the World), a heartfelt book that explores the joys and challenges of fatherhood.
His most recent book, C’era una volta adesso (Once Upon a Time Now), was published at the end of 2020, further cementing his status as a leading literary voice in Italy.
Current Endeavors
In September 2023, Massimo Gramellini made a significant move by leaving Rai and joining La7, where he began hosting a new television program titled In altre parole (In Other Words). The show, which features the legendary Italian singer-songwriter Roberto Vecchioni, showcases Gramellini’s continued influence in Italian media.
Conclusion
Massimo Gramellini’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and the written word. From a childhood marked by tragedy to becoming one of Italy’s most respected journalists and authors, Gramellini has made an indelible mark on Italian culture. His insightful commentary, both in print and on television, continues to inspire and engage audiences, making him a significant figure in contemporary Italian media.
Through his work, Gramellini has shown that the stories we tell—whether in newspapers, novels, or on television—have the power to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. His journey from a young boy grappling with loss to a celebrated journalist and father is not just a personal triumph but also a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
