The word intrigue has always fascinated me.
It is an atavistic sensation that it arouses in me. It is exciting.
It inherently tells of plots hatched, of unrevealable secrets, of deceptions (after all, I would always have liked to be one of the characters in a South American soap opera alongside Catherine Fulop).
Inganno (Deceitful Love) is the miniseries that is currently very popular on Netflix and Emanuel Caserio is among its protagonists. He plays Stefano Vasari, the eldest son of Gabriella De Rosa(played by Monica Guerritore) who works as a lawyer (I won’t add anything else because I don’t want to give away any spoilers).
Emanuel is, of course, an actor.
Born in Latina, he soon moved to Rome inspired by his passion for acting and here he graduated from the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. It is 2012.
Since 2014, he has been working in television productions, appearing in small roles in series such as Rex, Un medico in famiglia and Squadra antimafia – Palermo oggi.
In 2017 he plays Cesare in the Rai Fiction television film In arte Nino.
Since 2018, he has played the recurring character of Salvatore Amato in the soap opera Il paradiso delle signore. The role made him popular with the general public.
Inganno consecrated him among the new Italian sex symbols but Emanuel jokes about it and prefers to underline the fact that “Stefano’s soul came through more than his physical appearance“.
We met him in ln a few weeks ago to talk about the series and his life.
Hi Emanuel! How are you?
Please, define the concept of art today.
How am I? Let’s say it’s a time of radical change in my life. But every change brings a rebirth, so I’m welcoming everything that’s coming my way.
Art, now more than ever, I believe is essential. In this consumerist society, it reminds us of the beauty of dreams and of the things that exist without a price. I believe art can awaken us, and in this moment in history, I think we truly need it to find ourselves again as human beings. Art has the power to make us better people.
When did your passion for acting begin?
I was around 15 years old and in my hometown, Latina. I started with an amateur course, and from there I discovered how much I could learn about myself through other characters. Stepping into someone else’s shoes requires empathy and sensitivity, and thanks to this work, I’ve realized how valuable that can be in everyday life too. I’ve learned not to judge, but to embrace, always. I owe so much to this passion, which today has become my profession.
From Latina to Rome: why did you feel the need to move to the capital?
Ever since I was little, I wanted to move to Rome. It felt a bit like a wonderland to me. I remember when my dad used to take me to the amusement park in the Eur area… I have such beautiful memories of that. Then, as I got older, I told myself, “Okay, it’s time to move to your favorite city.”
Despite many initial challenges, today I live in the exact area I had dreamed of, and I truly feel at home.
In 2014, you debuted in RAI appearing in small roles in series such as Rex, Un Medico in Famiglia and Squadra Antimafia – Palermo Oggi.
What did that moment mean to you?
The beginning of it all. I still remember the tears of joy when my agent would call to tell me I’d gotten the part. It didn’t feel real. But the most beautiful moment was calling my parents to tell them I was making it.
They’ve always been my biggest supporters.
Thanks to those small roles, I gained confidence in myself, and today I’m truly grateful for every little part I landed in the past.
From small roles to that of Salvatore Amato, one of the protagonists of one of the most successful afternoon series, Il Paradiso delle Signore.
Who is Salvatore and how much of you is in him?
Salvatore Amato came into my life at a very delicate time, and over these past 7 years, he’s given me so much. I’ve put a lot of myself into Salvatore, but I have to say, he’s also done a great job of giving back to me: smiles, lightheartedness, courage, and many other qualities that make him a character I truly love.
Why do you think this character is so loved?
Because he’s a kind person, with a tender heart, who always knows how to help others, even when he has nothing left to give. A generous and spontaneous soul.
Now let’s talk about Inganno, the miniseries that is taking Netflix by storm. Tell us about it briefly.
Who deceives and who is deceived?
Inganno is an emotional thriller where family ties are the true protagonists of the series. Family plays a very important role in the story. I believe the show’s success comes from the fact that there are no heroes or villains, only real emotions that pull the characters in different directions from start to finish. You find yourself on everyone’s side and on no one’s at the same time. Right and wrong walk side by side, much like in real life.
What was it like working with an actress like Monica Guerritore?
A great honor to work by her side. A woman and an actress with remarkable strength of character. A highly skilled performer who doesn’t leave a single word to chance. Every thought she conveys carries real weight and her magnetic eyes reflect that in every single shot.
Let’s say that the series has consecrated you as a sex symbol. Do you feel like one?
I don’t feel like a sex symbol, and whether I’ve become one for the audience with this series, I don’t know. I have definitely noticed the appreciation coming from all over the world, from Spain to America, and that fills me with joy. I did my best to give Stefano (my character) the three-dimensionality he deserved. If some people saw a sex symbol in him, so be it. I believe Stefano’s soul came through more than his physical appearance, and that definitely makes me prouder.
What is your relationship with fashion?
I love fashion. An outfit can say a lot about a person’s personality. I believe fashion plays a fundamental role in society: it sets the aesthetic standards of an era, and this requires love and imagination. A challenging and demanding task today, when everyone seems like a copy of someone else. I wish fashion freedom and a loving madness.
Do you have a favorite brand?
I saw the latest Dolce & Gabbana exhibition at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni. I have to say, so much beauty left me speechless.
I love beauty, elegance… I believe Dolce & Gabbana is doing a wonderful job in tailoring.
What are you listening to right now?
Lately, I’ve been listening to all the songs by Abel Pintos, an Argentine singer.
I like the rhythm, the lyrics, and the musicality.
A letter to your future self.
I hope to find happiness in simple things, to continue loving both the beautiful and the difficult sides of life, to grow without ever tiring of daring, and to keep dreaming even when it’s hard to imagine.
TEAM CREDITS:
Talent: Emanuel Caserio
Publicist: MPunto Comunicazione
Photographer: Peppe Tortora
Stylist: Giorgia Procopio
Grooming: Alessandra Andreotti at Glitter Makeup Agency
Fashion Editor: Corinna Fusco