Interview by Titti Chiarello - Photography Veronica Pierotti

A cascade of dark curls frames two bright, deep eyes, perfectly complemented by a warm smile. Meet Nicolò Bertonelli, a true-blue Versiliese born in 2000, who has been pursuing an acting career for nearly a decade. While his work in traveling shows, films, and TV series often whisks him away from home, returning to Forte dei Marmi is essential for rejuvenation. Nicolò, when did your acting journey begin? “I landed my first significant role at just fifteen, playing Bobo in the third season of the Braccialetti Rossi series for Rai.” What sparked this passion? “I participated in an acting class at the Ugo Guidi school in Forte dei Marmi, organized by the Bottega del Teatro, even before finishing elementary school – and I was ecstatic! Later, I enrolled in a Musical High School and took dubbing classes in Grosseto and Florence, landing major roles in Rai and Canale 5 series. In 2022, I made my film debut as Edo in “The Christmas Show” and also took to the stage, starring in “tick, tick…BOOM!” In the next season, I played Neil Perry in “Dead Poets Society.” Oh, I also recently completed voice work for a few films.” It seems you’re hardly ever in Forte... “Don’t doubt me... I’ll return as soon as I can between projects. It’s crucial for me to fully recharge and prepare to leave again. I need to breathe the air of my home and be filled with beauty as I share an intense and deeply intimate connection with Forte, similar to anyone who truly loves it.” What do you miss the most when you’re away? “Firstly, it’s the smells–the salty scent of the sea and the rich aroma of my garden’s soil, scents I’ve known since childhood. I also cherish morning walks on the Pontile or along the seafront. I make it a point never to miss one of the most breathtaking experiences, especially in summer: watching the sunset from the Pontile as the sun illuminates the Apuan Alps, transforming the light all around. It’s a marvel and a magic I haven’t found anywhere else, in any city where I’ve worked.”