Early Life and Education
Serena Autieri was born on April 4, 1976, in Naples, Italy, in the neighborhood of Soccavo. From a young age, she exhibited a passion for the performing arts, studying acting, classical dance, and singing. Her early dedication to the arts set the foundation for a diverse and successful career. In 1997, at the age of 21, Serena released her first album, “Anima soul.”
Despite her budding career in entertainment, Serena pursued academic excellence. She graduated from the Istituto d’Arte di Napoli and then enrolled in the University of Naples Federico II, where she studied architecture. This dual commitment to both her education and the arts highlights her versatility and determination.
Breakthrough in Television
Serena’s entrance into the television world came in 1998 when she joined the cast of the popular Italian soap opera “Un posto al sole” on Rai 3. In the show, she portrayed Sara De Vito, a singer, a role that allowed her to showcase her vocal talents. This role marked the beginning of her rise to fame in Italian television.
In 2001, she co-hosted the show “Stranamore” on Canale 5 alongside Alberto Castagna. That same year, she appeared in the Rai 2 fiction series “Vento di Ponente.” Her growing popularity led to more significant opportunities, including a role in the theater musical “Bulli & Pupe” during the 2002-2003 season.
Hosting the Sanremo Music Festival
One of the pivotal moments in Serena Autieri’s career was co-hosting the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival in 2003 with Pippo Baudo and Claudia Gerini. Hosting this iconic event elevated her status in the Italian entertainment industry and introduced her to a broader audience.
Success in Theater and Film
Serena’s versatility as a performer is evident in her extensive work in theater and film. In 2003, she starred in the miniseries “Tutti i sogni del mondo” on Rai 2 and sang the show’s theme song. She also began working on the musical “Vacanze Romane,” directed by Pietro Garinei, where she performed alongside Massimo Ghini. This production was a significant success and ran from 2004.
Her talents also took her to international stages. In 2004, Serena represented Italy at the Columbus Day celebration in New York, performing live at the Manhattan Center. This international exposure further solidified her reputation as a talented and versatile performer.
Continued Success in Television and Cinema
Throughout the mid-2000s, Serena continued to build her career in both television and film. She starred in various Italian TV series, including “La maledizione dei Templari” and “Callas e Onassis.” In 2006, she appeared in the Canale 5 fiction “L’onore e il rispetto,” where she met Gabriel Garko, with whom she had a brief romantic relationship.
In 2007, Serena starred in the successful film “Notte prima degli esami – Oggi,” playing the role of Professor Elisabetta Paliani. She continued to take on diverse roles, including in the film “Dr. Clown” directed by Maurizio Nichetti and in the soap opera “Agrodolce.”
Expanding Horizons and Personal Life
In 2009, Serena appeared in the comedy “L’ultimo crodino” alongside Enzo Iacchetti and Ricky Tognazzi. She returned to “L’onore e il rispetto” for its second season and was directed by Gabriele Lavia in the theatrical production “Liolà.”
Her theater work included performing with Giorgio Albertazzi in “Shakespeare in Jazz” at the Sistina Theater in Rome. In 2010, Serena married financial manager Enrico Griselli in Spoleto. The same year, she appeared in the Canale 5 miniseries “Nel bianco,” based on Ken Follett’s novel, and starred in Neri Parenti’s comedy “Natale in Sudafrica.”
Recent Works and Continued Popularity
Serena’s career continued to flourish with roles in successful films and TV series. She starred in the comedy “Femmine contro maschi,” directed by Fausto Brizzi, and appeared in the drama “Dov’è mia figlia?” and the comedy series “Fratelli detective.”
In 2012, Serena competed in the popular Rai 1 show “Tale e Quale Show,” where she impressed audiences with her ability to impersonate various famous singers, including Barbra Streisand, Antonella Ruggiero, Lady Gaga, and Loretta Goggi. Her performances were highly praised and showcased her wide range of talents.
She also co-hosted the “Premio Campiello” literary award ceremony with Bruno Vespa and appeared in Giuseppe Piccioni’s film “Il rosso e il blu.” On television, she co-hosted “Una voce per Padre Pio” with Massimo Giletti and “Cantare è d’amore” with Amedeo Minghi.
Voice Acting and Further Success
In 2013, Serena became a mother to her daughter, Giulia Tosca. That year, she starred in the comedy “Il principe abusivo,” directed by Alessandro Siani and featuring Christian De Sica. She continued her successful film career with roles in “Sapore di te,” directed by Carlo Vanzina, “Niente può fermarci” by Luigi Cecinelli, and “Un fantastico via vai” by Leonardo Pieraccioni.
Serena also ventured into voice acting, providing the voice for Elsa in the Italian version of Disney’s animated film “Frozen” and singing the character’s songs. Her work in “Frozen” further expanded her reach and demonstrated her versatility as an entertainer.
Return to “Tale e Quale Show”
Given her previous success, Serena returned to “Tale e Quale Show” for its special tournament edition, where she continued to impress audiences with her impersonations of renowned singers such as Celine Dion, Fiorella Mannoia, and Beyoncé. Her performances were a testament to her enduring talent and popularity.
Present and Future
As of 2023, Serena Autieri continues to be a prominent figure in Italian entertainment. Her diverse talents in acting, singing, and hosting have made her a beloved personality in the industry. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different forms of media—television, film, theater, and music—illustrates her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Conclusion
Serena Autieri’s journey from a young girl studying dance, singing, and acting in Naples to becoming a celebrated actress, singer, and television personality is a testament to her talent and determination. Her contributions to Italian entertainment have left an indelible mark, and her performances continue to captivate audiences both in Italy and internationally.
Her story is one of perseverance, versatility, and passion for the arts. Serena Autieri’s life and career are a testament to the power of talent and hard work, and she remains an inspiring figure for aspiring performers everywhere.
