SEBASTIANO PIGAZZI: THE NEXT CHAPTER
From Luca Guadagnino's We Are Who We Are to becoming a fan favourite in And Just Like That..., Sebastiano Pigazzi has quietly built an international career on unexpected opportunities and creative risk. The American-born, Italian-speaking actor first gained industry attention through Guadagnino's acclaimed series before going on to appear in Time Is Up and, more recently, Amazon Prime's Non è un paese per single. Audiences around the world now know him as Giuseppe, Anthony's love interest in And Just Like That..., a role he reprised in the show's third season. With the upcoming film Last Night and Amazon Prime series Postcards from Italy on the horizon, Pigazzi speaks to The Rakish Gent about career-defining moments, working with Luca Guadagnino and what he's looking for next.
Full Look - Prada
Words - Tajinder Hayer
Photography - Umberto Buglione
Photography Assistance - Yirmi Rahamim
Creative Direction & Styling - Ben James Adams
Styling Assistance - Valentina Montalvo & Mariana Mercado
Grooming - Americo Turtoro
Lighting Director - Matteo Gerbaudo
TAJINDER HAYER: You grew up between cultures, speaking Italian at home while being raised in the United States. Has that dual identity shaped the kinds of characters you're drawn to as an actor?
SEBASTIANO PIGAZZI: Not really. What usually draws me to a character are the differences between us. I like to change it up.
TH: You’ve spoken about how Gabriele Muccino encouraged you to keep pursuing acting after initially not casting you. How important was that moment in giving you confidence early on?
SP: Sometimes not getting what you want but getting close enough you can almost touch it, is the best motivation.
Tank Top - Jean Paul Gaultier, Watch - Montblanc
TH: Your path into acting seems to have happened quite organically, including your encounter with Luca Guadagnino that led to We Are Who We Are. Looking back now, did that project feel like the moment things became real professionally?
SP: Absolutely. At that point I was truly all in. I couldn't have asked for a better first real professional experience.
TH: Luca Guadagnino's work is incredibly emotionally detailed and intimate. What did you learn from working in that environment so early in your career?
SP: To come to work with creative ideas and take risks. Luca gives you the freedom to lose yourself in the character and have no fear. He is one of those very special artists.
TH: Audiences internationally now know you as Giuseppe in And Just Like That.... Joining a franchise with such a devoted fanbase could be intimidating—how did you approach stepping into that world?
SP: I just tried to do my job to the best of my ability in the hopes that people would resonate with it. The rest is really out of my control for better or worse.
Jacket - Karl Lagerfeld, Vest - KVRT STVFF, Trousers - Givenchy, Necklace - LAG World
TH: Giuseppe brought a fresh energy to the series, balancing humour, romance and vulnerability. What did you enjoy most about developing that character across multiple seasons?
SP: Seeing the relationship between Giuseppe and Anthony evolve was the most surprising element of our arch. It was funny and cute but it also felt real. Seeing the love between the two characters was special.
TH: Your upcoming projects range from Last Night to Postcards from Italy. Are you consciously looking for roles that move between Italian and international productions, or are you simply following strong scripts and filmmakers?
SP: It’s really all about the role and the people making the project. I've been lucky to film in some beautiful locations internationally though whether that's Lisbon or Tuscany or Palermo.
TH:You’re at an interesting stage in your career now, where audiences are beginning to recognise you globally. What kinds of roles or collaborations are you hoping the next few years will bring?
SP: Something different and surprising.