Manila Nazzaro is a well-known Italian actress, television presenter, and former beauty queen who has left an indelible mark on the Italian entertainment industry. Born on October 10, 1977, in Foggia, Italy, Manila’s journey from a small-town girl to a celebrated media personality is both inspiring and instructive. This article explores her life, fame, and key highlights, offering detailed insights into her career, personal life, and the impact she has had on Italian pop culture.
Early Life and Entry into the World of Beauty and Fashion
Manila Nazzaro was born into a modest family in Foggia, a city in the Apulia region of Italy. From an early age, Manila exhibited a natural beauty and charisma that set her apart. Her early life was marked by a keen interest in fashion and the performing arts, but she initially pursued a different path by enrolling in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. However, her striking appearance caught the attention of talent scouts, leading her to embark on a career in modeling, which quickly overshadowed her academic pursuits.
At the age of 19, Manila participated in the prestigious Miss Italia beauty pageant, a competition that has been a launching pad for many Italian actresses and television personalities. Although she did not win in her first attempt, she returned to the competition three years later in 1999, representing her home region as Miss Puglia. Her perseverance paid off when she was crowned Miss Italia, a title that catapulted her into the national spotlight. In addition to winning the title of Miss Italia, she also secured the title of Miss Cinema, and took second place in the Miss Eleganza category, solidifying her status as one of the most promising young talents in Italy.
Career in Television and Theater
After her success in Miss Italia, Manila Nazzaro’s career took off. She quickly became a sought-after figure in the Italian entertainment industry, appearing as a testimonial for various brands and participating in numerous television commercials. However, Manila was determined to expand her talents beyond modeling. She enrolled in acting classes under the tutelage of Isabella Del Bianco at the Teatro Azione in Rome, laying the foundation for her future endeavors in theater and television.
Between 2000 and 2003, Manila demonstrated her versatility as an actress by taking on various roles in the theater. She appeared in several productions, including Henrik Ibsen’s Casa di Bambola (A Doll’s House), a performance that showcased her ability to tackle complex characters. Her talent was further recognized when she was cast as the female lead in the Italian adaptation of Heaven Can Wait, directed by the renowned Italian actor and director Gianfranco D’Angelo.
Manila’s success in theater opened the doors to new opportunities. In the following theatrical season, she was chosen as the protagonist of the musical Scanzonatissimo, directed by Carlo Nistri. Her performances were well-received, and she quickly became known for her ability to blend drama with musical comedy, a rare talent in the Italian entertainment landscape.
In 2005, Manila took a brief hiatus from the theater to explore new avenues in television. She became the presenter of Music Box Italia, an interactive TV channel that allowed viewers to choose the music videos that were played. This role not only showcased her skills as a television host but also broadened her appeal to a younger audience. Additionally, she became a spokesperson for Alitalia, Italy’s national airline, further enhancing her public profile.
Despite her growing success on television, Manila’s passion for theater remained strong. She returned to the stage in 2007, starring in the play Bed and Breakfast. The following year, she joined the cast of Sex and Italy, a show produced by the famed Italian variety group Il Bagaglino. This production, which humorously explored the history of Italy through the lens of sex, allowed Manila to demonstrate her comedic timing and versatility as a performer.
Expanding Horizons in Television and Radio
As Manila’s career evolved, she continued to explore new opportunities in television. In 2009, she returned to Canale 5 with the show Bellissima – Cabaret Anticrisi, a cabaret-style program that was part of her ongoing collaboration with Il Bagaglino. That same year, she co-hosted Miss Italia Channel with Raffaello Tonon, bringing her journey full circle as she returned to the pageant that had launched her career a decade earlier.
After a period away from the spotlight, Manila reemerged in 2010 as a correspondent for the 19th edition of La Partita del Cuore, an annual charity football match that raises funds for various causes. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, as she began to transition from acting and theater to more prominent roles in television hosting.
In the 2015-2016 television season, Manila joined the cast of Mezzogiorno in Famiglia on Rai 2 as a correspondent. Her charisma and on-screen presence quickly earned her a promotion to studio presenter, where she worked alongside Massimiliano Ossini. This role solidified her status as a versatile television personality capable of handling a variety of formats.
In the autumn of 2017, Manila expanded her career into radio, joining Radio Zeta as the host of Pane Amore Zeta Weekend, a weekend show that aired every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Her success in radio led to additional opportunities, including hosting segments on RTL 102.5, where she managed the social corner on Wednesdays and Fridays. Her role at RTL 102.5 grew over time, allowing her to engage with a wider audience and establish herself as a prominent voice in Italian radio.
Reality TV Stardom
Manila Nazzaro’s versatility and broad appeal made her a natural fit for reality television. In the summer of 2020, she participated in Temptation Island, a popular reality show that tests the strength of couples’ relationships. Manila joined the show alongside her partner, former professional footballer Lorenzo Amoruso. Their journey on the show was marked by emotional moments and intense discussions about their future together, capturing the attention of viewers and solidifying their status as a beloved couple in the Italian media landscape.
Following her success on Temptation Island, Manila continued to build her reality TV credentials. In September 2021, she was announced as a contestant on the sixth season of Grande Fratello VIP (Big Brother VIP), one of Italy’s most-watched reality shows. Her participation in the show introduced her to a new generation of viewers and allowed her to showcase her authentic personality, resilience, and ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Personal Life and Public Image
Manila Nazzaro’s personal life has been a subject of public interest, particularly her relationships and family life. She was previously married to Francesco Cozza, a former professional footballer. The couple had two children together, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2017. Despite the challenges of her personal life, Manila has always maintained a strong and positive public image, balancing her career with her responsibilities as a mother.
After her divorce, Manila began a relationship with Lorenzo Amoruso, a former footballer who played for several clubs in Italy and Scotland. Their relationship has been widely covered in the media, particularly during their time on Temptation Island. The couple has been open about their love for each other and their plans for the future, earning them a dedicated fan base.
In addition to her professional achievements, Manila is known for her support of various causes and her openness about her health struggles. In 2014, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with Basedow’s disease, a condition that affects the thyroid. Her candidness about her condition has inspired many, and she has become an advocate for health awareness and the importance of self-care.
Manila is also a passionate football fan and is particularly devoted to S.S. Lazio, one of Italy’s top football clubs. Her love for the team is well-known, and she often shares her enthusiasm for football with her followers on social media.
Legacy and Influence
Manila Nazzaro’s career is a testament to her versatility, resilience, and ability to reinvent herself in an ever-changing entertainment industry. From her early days as a beauty queen to her success in television, theater, and radio, Manila has consistently demonstrated her talent and determination. Her journey is an inspiration to aspiring performers and media personalities, showing that with hard work and perseverance, it is possible to build a long-lasting and multifaceted career.
Her influence extends beyond her professional achievements. Manila’s openness about her personal struggles, her advocacy for health awareness, and her commitment to her family have made her a role model for many. Her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level, whether through reality TV or her work in radio and television, has earned her a loyal following and cemented her place as one of Italy’s most beloved media figures.
As Manila continues to evolve and take on new challenges, her legacy in the Italian entertainment industry will undoubtedly grow. She has proven herself to be not only a talented performer but also a compassionate and relatable figure who resonates with audiences across different generations.
Conclusion
Manila Nazzaro’s life and career are a reflection of her ability to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry while staying true to herself. From winning Miss Italia to becoming a household name in Italian television and radio, Manila has shown that success comes from a combination of talent, hard work, and authenticity. Her journey serves as an example of how one can achieve great things by embracing opportunities, facing challenges head-on, and remaining committed to personal growth and integrity.
