‘Truly powerful’: The White Lotus star Sabrina Impacciatore reveals impact of show on her life and career
‘I’ve suffered through many disappointments. Now that I have this chance, I want to make the best of it,’ actor said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sabrina Impacciatore has spoken out on the impact that starring in The White Lotus has had on her life.
The Italian actor became internationally recognisable in late 2022 as she starred in the second season of Mike White’s comedic drama, set in Sicily.
As hotel manager Valentina, Impacciatore was a central part of the action and quickly became one of the show’s most cherished characters.
Though she has been a household name in Italy since the mid-2000s, Impacciatore had been virtually unknown outside of her country until The White Lotus.
With the popularity of the show’s second season, the actor has received more global praise than she’d ever felt previously – and she’s admitted to revelling in the opportunities it has brought her.
“What I’ve experienced in the past few months has been truly powerful, powerful as well as spiritual. The support I’ve received has been incredible,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
“I’m keeping my feet on the ground, [but] I’ve overcome countless challenges and faced many closed doors, I’ve suffered through many disappointments. Now that I have this chance, I want to make the best of it. And I intend to enjoy it.”
Ahead of her appearance on the show, however, she admitted to feeling nervous about stepping into the hotel manager role, a position originated by Murray Bartlett’s Armond in season one.
“He’s one of the series’ most beloved characters,” she noted. “I felt like the super unpopular substitute teacher that has to sub for the super popular teacher. I didn’t sleep at all for five weeks.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Since the second season has aired, it has received widespread acclaim with some concluding that it surpasses the entertainment value of season one.
One of the most memorable comedic moments came during an exchange between Impacciatore’s Valentina, and resort guest Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), in which Valentina said she resembled the animated children’s character Peppa Pig.
Speaking about the improvised moment on set, Impacciatore shared her shock that her off-the-cuff remark was so well received.
She explained: “Jennifer was all in pink, and the first thing I said was: ‘You’re so pink.’ When she asked: ‘Who do I remind you of?,’ I replied: ‘Peppa Pig.’ The whole set froze. Then Jennifer broke out laughing.
“[I was surprised] to see that scene made the final cut. And even more surprised when it went viral worldwide.”
The White Lotus is available on NOW and Sky Go.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments