Nicola Savino, born on November 14, 1967, in Lucca, Italy, is a prominent figure in Italian entertainment. Known for his work as a radio and television host, comedian, actor, director, and writer, Savino has carved out a significant niche in the Italian media landscape. Over the years, he has become a beloved personality, particularly among younger audiences, thanks to his witty humor and versatility. This article delves into the life and career of Nicola Savino, exploring his early beginnings, rise to fame, major career milestones, and contributions to Italian media.
Early Life and Beginnings in Radio
Nicola Savino was born into a family with southern Italian roots—his mother hails from Cosenza, while his father is from Foggia. Although he was born in Lucca, Savino grew up in San Donato Milanese, a small industrial town near Milan, where his father worked for Eni, a major Italian energy company.
From a young age, Savino was captivated by the world of radio. His interest was piqued by listening to Italian radio legend Gerry Scotti, who was a prominent figure on Radio Deejay in the 1980s. Scotti’s comedic approach to radio inspired Savino to pursue a career in broadcasting, particularly in radio, which at that time was still a relatively unexplored medium for comedy and light entertainment in Italy.
Savino’s first foray into radio came at the age of sixteen in 1983 when he began working at Radio San Donato, a local station in his hometown. He quickly moved on to Beautiful Station, another local competitor, where he continued to hone his skills as a DJ and radio producer. For the next five years, Savino worked at various private radio stations in the Milan area, also gaining experience as a DJ in local clubs. This period was a crucial training ground, allowing him to develop the technical and creative skills that would later define his career.
Breakthrough at Radio Deejay
Savino’s big break came in 1989 when he was hired by Radio Deejay, one of Italy’s most popular radio stations, known for its appeal to younger audiences. Savino initially joined the station as a radio producer, working behind the scenes on some of the station’s most successful programs.
One of his first major roles at Radio Deejay was as the producer of “Viva Radio Deejay,” a show hosted by Rosario Fiorello and Marco Baldini. The show was a hit, and Savino’s work behind the scenes was crucial to its success. He soon took on the production of another popular show, “Baldini ama Laurenti,” hosted by Marco Baldini, Amadeus, and Luca Laurenti—three personalities who would go on to become major stars in Italian entertainment.
Savino’s talent for radio production did not go unnoticed, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after producers in the industry. However, his ambitions extended beyond the control room, and he began to take on more prominent roles on air.
Rise as a Radio Personality and Imitator
In 1998, Savino made the transition from behind the scenes to the microphone, becoming a co-host and voice actor on the popular Radio Deejay program “Ciao Belli.” The show, which featured a mix of music, comedy, and celebrity impersonations, became a massive success, and Savino’s talent for imitation quickly became one of its highlights.
Savino created a number of memorable characters and impersonations on “Ciao Belli,” including parodies of well-known Italian figures such as sportscaster Giampiero Galeazzi, singer Renato Zero, and rock star Luciano Ligabue. His ability to mimic voices and create humorous characters made him a fan favorite, and he soon became one of the most recognizable voices on Italian radio.
In 1999, Savino’s role on “Ciao Belli” earned him a co-hosting position on “Deejay chiama Italia,” one of the most popular radio programs in Italy, hosted by Linus. Savino’s contributions to the show, particularly his comedic commentary on current events, further solidified his status as a major figure in Italian radio.
Transition to Television
While Savino was making a name for himself in radio, he was also beginning to explore opportunities in television. His first major TV role came in 1998 when he joined the writing team of “Le Iene,” a satirical news program known for its edgy humor and investigative reporting. Savino worked on “Le Iene” until 2002, during which time the show became one of the most popular programs on Italian television.
Savino’s work on “Le Iene” was instrumental in shaping the show’s tone and content, and he played a key role in the development of some of its most iconic segments. His experience on the show also allowed him to hone his skills as a television writer and director, setting the stage for his later success in TV.
In 2003, Savino joined the cast of “Quelli che il calcio,” a popular sports variety show on Rai 2, hosted by Simona Ventura. Savino initially joined the show as a writer and behind-the-scenes contributor, but his on-screen presence soon became an integral part of the program. His quick wit and ability to improvise made him a perfect fit for the show’s irreverent style, and he quickly became a fan favorite.
Savino’s success on “Quelli che il calcio” led to more opportunities in television. In 2004, he co-hosted “Sformat,” a late-night comedy show on Rai 2, and in 2005, he made his film debut in “Agente Matrimoniale,” a comedy directed by Christian Bisceglia. Although the film was not a major commercial success, it marked the beginning of Savino’s foray into acting.
Peak Television Career
By the late 2000s, Nicola Savino had established himself as a versatile television personality, capable of hosting, writing, and acting. In 2009, he became the co-host of “Colorado Café,” a popular comedy show on Italia 1, alongside Rossella Brescia. The show, which featured stand-up comedy, sketches, and musical performances, was a hit with viewers, and Savino’s comedic timing and rapport with Brescia were key to its success.
In 2010, Savino took on another high-profile hosting role on “Matricole & Meteore,” a nostalgia-driven show that revisited former child stars and one-hit wonders. Co-hosted by Juliana Moreira, the show was a ratings success and further cemented Savino’s status as one of Italy’s top television hosts.
Savino’s biggest break in television came in 2011 when he was chosen to host “L’isola dei famosi,” the Italian version of the reality show “Survivor.” Savino took over hosting duties from Simona Ventura, who was participating as a contestant that season. His performance as host was well-received, and he was praised for bringing a fresh, humorous perspective to the show.
In 2012, Savino officially took over as the permanent host of “L’isola dei famosi” after Ventura left for Sky Italia. His tenure as host was marked by his distinctive style, blending humor with a light touch, which appealed to both fans of the show and casual viewers alike.
Recent Work and Legacy
In recent years, Nicola Savino has continued to be a prominent figure in Italian television and radio. He has hosted a variety of shows across different networks, consistently demonstrating his versatility and ability to connect with audiences.
Savino’s contributions to Italian media extend beyond his on-screen and on-air work. As a writer, director, and producer, he has played a key role in shaping the content and style of some of Italy’s most popular programs. His ability to adapt to different formats and genres, from comedy to reality TV to sports entertainment, has made him one of the most enduring figures in Italian entertainment.
Savino’s impact on Italian culture is evident not only in his body of work but also in the influence he has had on younger generations of entertainers. His success has paved the way for other radio personalities to transition into television, and his unique brand of humor has helped redefine what it means to be a TV host in Italy.
Conclusion
Nicola Savino’s career is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and versatility. From his humble beginnings in local radio to his rise as one of Italy’s most beloved television hosts, Savino has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in Italian media. His work has entertained millions, and his influence can be seen in the many shows and personalities that have followed in his footsteps.
As he continues to evolve and adapt to the changing media landscape, Nicola Savino remains a vital and influential figure in Italian entertainment. His legacy is not just in the shows he has hosted or the characters he has created, but in the way he has helped shape the industry itself, leaving a lasting impact on Italian popular culture.
