Paolo Kessisoglu, born on July 25, 1969, in Genoa, Italy, is a multi-talented cabaret artist, actor, comedian, and television presenter. With a career spanning several decades, he has become one of Italy’s most beloved public figures, known for his sharp wit, comedic timing, and versatility in various entertainment mediums. Paolo is best recognized as one half of the popular comedic duo “Luca e Paolo,” formed with his long-time friend and collaborator, Luca Bizzarri. This partnership has been central to his career, earning them both critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Paolo Kessisoglu’s roots are deeply intertwined with the city of Genoa, though his family hails from Sori, a nearby town. The Kessisoglu surname reflects his Armenian heritage, specifically deriving from the original surname “Keshishian,” which belonged to his grandfather. Growing up in Genoa, Paolo was drawn to the arts from a young age, with music being his first love. By the age of 13, he was already performing as a jazz guitarist in various bands around the city during the early 1980s.
His passion for music was a significant influence in his early life, but it wasn’t long before the world of theater and cabaret captured his imagination. This shift in focus was solidified in 1991 when he met Luca Bizzarri during auditions. The chemistry between them was undeniable, leading them to form a comedic partnership that would shape the trajectory of both their careers.
The Rise of “Luca e Paolo” and Cabaret Success
Between 1995 and 1997, Paolo, often alongside Luca, participated in the theatrical productions of the Teatro della Tosse in Genoa. Their comedic style, which blended sharp social commentary with a unique brand of humor, quickly gained them a following. In 1996, the duo founded the cabaret group “Cavalli Marci” at the Nessun Dorma Caffè in Genoa. This group embarked on a tour that lasted until 1997, showcasing their talents to a broader audience.
It was in 1997 that Paolo made his television debut in the successful format “Ciro, il figlio di Target,” aired on Italia Uno. The show, hosted by Gaia De Laurentis, was a significant milestone in Paolo’s career. The following year, Paolo and Luca reprised their roles on the show, where they created the character Mimmo Amerelli, a parody inspired by the exaggerated persona of 1990s DJs. This character became so popular that it led to the release of a single, “Alla consolle,” which became a radio hit.
By the end of 1998, Paolo and Luca had officially established themselves as a comedic duo under the name “Luca e Paolo,” a partnership that would prove to be one of the most enduring and successful in Italian entertainment.
Television Stardom and “Le Iene”
The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a period of rapid ascent for Paolo Kessisoglu. In 1999, “Luca e Paolo” joined the satirical program “La posta del cuore,” alongside Sabina Guzzanti. That same year, Paolo made his film debut as a co-star in “E allora mambo!,” directed by Lucio Pellegrini. The film, which also starred Luciana Littizzetto and Maddalena Maggi, was well-received and solidified Paolo’s status as a versatile entertainer.
In 2000, Paolo expanded his television presence with a debut on MTV and another film, “Tandem,” also directed by Pellegrini. However, it was his involvement with the iconic Italian satirical show “Mai dire goal” in 2001 that truly propelled him to national fame. That year, Paolo and Luca began their long-running association with the show “Le Iene,” a format on Italia Uno known for its daring and often controversial reporting. The duo’s irreverent humor and Paolo’s charismatic presence made them household names.
Expanding Horizons: Acting, Voice Work, and Music
While Paolo’s television career flourished, he also explored other creative avenues. In 2001, he lent his voice to the Walt Disney animated film “The Emperor’s New Groove” (“Le follie dell’imperatore” in Italian), showcasing his talent as a voice actor.
In 2003, Paolo married journalist Sabrina Donadel, and they welcomed their daughter, Lunita Maria. Despite the demands of fatherhood, Paolo continued to pursue his career with vigor. The 2003/2004 television season saw the debut of “Camera Café,” a sitcom starring Paolo and Luca that became one of Italy’s first “fixed-camera” comedies, set entirely during the coffee breaks of office employees. The show’s innovative format and the duo’s comedic chemistry made it a massive hit.
Critical Acclaim and International Recognition
In 2004, Paolo and Luca returned to their roots with the remake of the format “Super Ciro,” which had initially brought them fame. The following year, Paolo won the award for Best Male Performance at the Annecy Italian Film Festival for his role in the film “…E se domani,” directed by Giovanni La Parola. The film, inspired by a true story set in Milan in 1997, revolves around a young Southern Italian man who decides to commit suicide in a Milanese bank. Paolo’s performance was widely praised, and the film further established him as a serious actor capable of handling complex roles.
In 2007, Paolo and Luca starred in the Italian remake of the famous comedy “The Odd Couple” (“La strana coppia”), reimagined as a sitcom. The following year, they appeared in the French-produced film “Asterix at the Olympic Games.” By the end of 2008, Paolo had stepped back from “Le Iene” to focus on his first love—music. He began writing concert reviews for GQ magazine and performed live with renowned artists such as Negramaro, Joe Satriani, and Deep Purple.
Return to Television and Sanremo Success
Despite his musical pursuits, Paolo returned to television in 2009, rejoining “Le Iene” alongside Ilary Blasi and Luca Bizzarri. The duo also took to the stage with the theater show “La passione secondo Luca e Paolo,” continuing to delight audiences with their unique brand of humor.
One of the highlights of Paolo’s career came in February 2011 when he co-hosted the 61st edition of the Sanremo Music Festival with Luca, Gianni Morandi, Elisabetta Canalis, and Belen Rodriguez. The festival, a cornerstone of Italian culture, was a significant platform that showcased Paolo’s versatility as an entertainer. That same year, he appeared in the film “Immaturi,” directed by Paolo Genovese, which was a commercial success and featured a star-studded cast including Raoul Bova, Ricky Memphis, Ambra Angiolini, and Barbara Bobulova.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Today, Paolo Kessisoglu is recognized not only for his contributions to Italian entertainment but also for his ability to evolve and adapt to new challenges. Whether through his work in television, film, theater, or music, Paolo has consistently demonstrated a commitment to his craft and a deep connection with his audience.
As an actor, comedian, and musician, Paolo’s career is a testament to the power of versatility and the importance of staying true to one’s passions. His journey from a young jazz guitarist in Genoa to a beloved national figure serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and entertainers across Italy and beyond.
Paolo Kessisoglu’s story is one of continuous growth, artistic exploration, and an unwavering dedication to bringing joy and laughter to his audience. As he continues to entertain and inspire, his legacy in the Italian entertainment industry is secure, and his influence will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.
