Stanley Tucci may be a seasoned actor and Oscar nominee, but when it comes to hosting a television series, he admits it’s a different kind of challenge. “Hosting is harder because you have to be yourself,” he said with a laugh. “And the reason actors become actors is probably because they don’t want to be themselves all the time.” Known for acclaimed performances in films such as Julie & Julia, The Devil Wears Prada, Conclave, and The Hunger Games, Tucci returns to the screen in a more personal light with his new food and travel series, Tucci in Italy.
In this five-episode journey, Tucci travels through Tuscany, Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige, Lazio, and Abruzzo. Along the way, he samples regional specialties like traditional knödel in the north and succulent porchetta in the central regions. More than just a food show, Tucci describes the series as “an exploration of what makes up Italy through the prism of food.” The show brings him face-to-face with chefs, farmers, artisans, and everyday Italians, all of whom speak about food with the same passion, regardless of their background.
“Italians live to eat and everybody else eats to live,” Tucci reflects, emphasizing the cultural significance of cuisine in Italian identity. Though he admits he’s not a fan of spicy food, Tucci remained adventurous throughout the shoot. “There was lots of offal, which I love. When I watched the episodes again, I realized just how much offal there actually was. But that’s just a part of what Italy is — it’s what they eat.”
With several cookbooks to his name and strong Italian heritage, Tucci brings a deep connection to the project. Having both lived in and visited Italy many times, including for his previous show Searching for Italy, the journey is more than professional — it’s personal.
“The more I travel through Italy, the more I see reminders of people in my childhood. You might see someone who looks like your aunt, your great aunt, or your grandfather. It makes you feel connected to the people you’ve lost.”
Tucci in Italy premieres on National Geographic on May 21 and is available for streaming on Disney+ starting May 19, offering a heartfelt, flavorful look at the country’s soul through the lens of food.
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