People say to me: your father Gino Paoli is immortal, but he is not so. For me he was my father and this is the first summer without him. As a child I went with him in the boat in the summer, he was a good fisherman:: so Amanda Sandrelli

Amanda Sandrelli has spoken publicly about her grief following the death of her father, Gino Paoli, who passed away in March at the age of 91. In an interview with Il Messaggero, she described how the loss has left a deep mark, especially during the summer months. She recalled memories of spending summers with him on the water, learning about fishing and the sea from his hands-on experience. “La gente mi dice: tuo padre Gino Paoli è immortale, ma non è così,” she quoted, expressing the emotional disconnect between public perception and personal reality. For her, he was more than a celebrated artist, he was her father, and this year marks the first summer without him. Sandrelli shared that she had been in Sardinia recently, where she found herself thinking constantly of her father while swimming. The connection to the sea, which she describes as deeply rooted in her childhood, came directly from him. “Sono stata due settimane in Sardegna e mentre nuotavo pensavo continuamente a lui, tutto quello che so dei pesci e del mare arriva da mio papà.” These moments of reflection highlight how much of her identity and understanding of nature were shaped by her father’s life and work. The actor recounted their time together, particularly the five years they spent traveling together during the summer. She explained that she moved to Milan at the age of eight and lived with her father there. Their vacations were always by boat, filled with fishing trips and exploration. “Erano vacanze in barca e mi piacevano tantissimo: era un pescatore, andava sott’acqua fin da bambino, a caccia di cernie e acciughe. Sempre in apnea, per fortuna a un certo punto si è convinto a usare le bombole.” Her father’s dedication to the sea and his passion for diving became a defining aspect of their relationship. Two days after Paoli’s passing, Sandrelli was already back on set working. Despite the emotional weight of the moment, she continued her professional responsibilities. However, she admitted that she was not ready for the loss. “Non ero pronta per niente. Sono stata tantissimo a Genova, a casa sua nel suo studio, anche l’ultimo mese che è stato molto duro.” This period of mourning included time spent with her father in his final months, which she described as difficult and emotionally draining. Paoli’s death sparked a wave of tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Many expressed their admiration for the late singer-songwriter, and some even referred to him as “immortale” in tribute. But for Sandrelli, such statements felt dissonant. “Per altri era Gino Paoli, per me il mio babbo.” She emphasized the personal bond she shared with her father, contrasting it with the public image of the artist. In addition to her reflections, Sandrelli mentioned the support she received from fellow actors and industry figures. Among them was Roberto Benigni, a prominent figure in Italian cinema. While specific details about their interactions remain unclear, her comments suggest that the broader artistic community recognized the significance of Paoli’s legacy and the impact of his passing on those close to him. As the summer progresses, Sandrelli continues to navigate the emotional landscape of losing a parent who was both a creative force and a guiding presence in her life. The absence of her father is keenly felt, especially during times that once brought them together. Yet, through her memories and ongoing work, she carries forward the lessons and love he imparted.