Sabrina Impacciatore never expected her career to take this turn. Speaking from New York, where she attended the Tribeca Film Festival with two new films, the acclaimed Italian actress describes her journey in simple terms: “My life is a miracle.”
Four years after Mike White cast her in the second season of The White Lotus, Impacciatore has become one of Italy’s most recognizable faces abroad. Her latest projects showcase her versatility: the drama-thriller In the Hand of Dante, directed by Julian Schnabel, and the offbeat comedy Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, helmed by David Wain.
In In the Hand of Dante, set to premiere on Netflix on June 24, she stars alongside Al Pacino, Oscar Isaac and Gerard Butler as the enigmatic Dr. Susanna Pulice. In contrast, her comedic role allowed her to embrace a more outrageous character, complete with a strong Sicilian accent chosen to project authority and intimidation.
Her Hollywood breakthrough is the culmination of decades of perseverance. As a young woman, she worked as a cleaner to pay for acting classes, and only a few years ago she was being told she was too old for certain roles. During the pandemic, she decided to study Shakespeare in English simply for the love of acting, a decision that unexpectedly prepared her for the international stage.
Now, at 58, Impacciatore sees her success as the reward for years of struggle. “Life is full of ups and downs,” she says. “The important thing is learning how to surf the waves.”