I happened to watch Marinette by Virginie Verrier, by chance some time ago, and I saw her.
Her role was marginal, but her gaze and energy captivated me.
I said to myself, as often happens, “I’ll find this girl again somewhere, I don’t know where and when, but I’ll find her again.“
She is George Li and today she is among the new protagonists of Mare Fuori, the Italian series produced by RAI Fiction that has quickly become a generational cult.
Born in 2001, George is half French (from Paris) and half Italian (from Florence), but she moved to Rome at a very young age to study and realize her romantic dream of becoming an actress.
In Mare Fuori she plays Lorenza, a multifaceted and intense character.
It’s the same intensity George brings to the stage and to life.
It’s the same intensity that struck me the first time I saw her on screen.
Hi George! How are you?
I’m good! A little tired but really happy. There’s a lot going on right now, and I’m grateful for it.
Please define the concept of art today.
To me, art is about exploring new ways of thinking and feeling. It’s a way of questioning the world and connecting with others. It’s constantly evolving, just like we are.
When and how did your passion for acting begin?
It wasn’t something I planned. I’ve known for a while that I wanted to work in cinema, but at the beginning I didn’t know how or where to start. I didn’t really believe it could be possible either. So I began by having fun with my friends, doing little projects, trying out everything I could. I had some friends who were already acting, I think I started seeing it as something I could really do thanks to them. I started taking some theatre lessons. A few important people in my life also gave me the courage and confidence I needed to truly give it a try. So I moved to Rome and here I started acting for the screen. The passion came naturally, because I realized I was really having fun doing it.
From Paris to Florence and Rome: what is your connection with each of these cities, and why did you choose Italy to live and grow professionally?
Paris is where I was born, so I’ll always be tied to her; for better or worse, haha. It’s also the city where I started experimenting with cinema. Florence is where I spent most of my adolescence, from age nine to eighteen, it’s my second home I guess. And Rome… Rome is where it all really began for me as an actor. That’s where the energy aligned.
I think I moved back to Italy, first of all, because I had this romantic vision of Italian cinema set in Rome that I wanted to explore. Then, more practically, because there was a school in Rome I wanted to attend (I didn’t get in though, haha). I also needed a bit of distance from Paris, to grow on my own terms. And honestly, I just missed Italy a lot.
In 2023 you debuted in Marinette by Virginie Verrier. What do you remember of that experience?
It was a small role, but it meant a lot. It was one of my first real experiences on a professional film set, and I learned so much just by being there and watching everything unfold.
You recently joined the cast of Mare Fuori. Tell us about your character, Lorenza.
Lorenza is intense. She’s angry, rebellious, and holds a lot of resentment toward her mother. Playing her was so much fun. She’s layered, and I loved exploring all of that.
Why do you think the series has such a strong impact on Gen Z, your generation?
Because it has a lot of humanity in it. The characters make mistakes, they search for redemption, they struggle with identity, justice, freedom… and love. You feel close to them.
Future projects? And if you were writing a letter to your future self, what would you say?
I just finished filming something new! which I’m very excited about (more details soon!).
As for a letter to my future self, I’d probably say to me:
“Don’t lose your sense of play. Keep being curious. And don’t let the pressure and haste make you forget why and where you started. Have fun!”
TEAM CREDITS
Talent: George Li
Publicist/Press Office: Giuseppe Corallo
Agency: VeraStar
Agent: Diego Cortes
Photographer: Jacopo Gentilini
Stylist: Stefania Sciortino
Groomer: COTRIL
Location: Edition Rome
Fashion Editor: Corinna Fusco