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Maria Rosa GalioActress
Date of Birth: 20.12.1925
Country:  Argentina |
Content:
Biography of Maria Rosa Gallo
Maria Rosa Gallo is a legendary actress known to all fans of Latin American series. She has played prominent roles such as Mitra in "Cyganka", Rosalia in "The Black Pearl", Bernarda in "Manuel", and Sofia Nunez Samora in "Provincialka". She has become a face of Argentine "telenovelas" just like Norberto Diaz or Hino Renni. During our trip to Buenos Aires at the "Te-le-fe" studio, the series "Kachorra" ("Wild Angel. Return") was being filmed, with Rosa Gallo playing the role of Pierina. We, of course, insisted on an interview with the beloved star, who is adored by many Russian fans. Despite her advanced age and constant illness, Rosa Gallo remains lively at "Te-le-fe". Her venerable age (ninety years old!) does not prevent her from acting, although she has to rush to the studio from the hospital. She warmly welcomed us into her tiny studio dressing room! She still looks beautiful, refined, and perfectly styled, with her makeup flawlessly done and her wig perfectly arranged. One would never think of calling her a grandmother. Her posture is impeccable, with no trace of stooping. We were asked not to tire the actress, but she herself did not rush to part with the journalists from distant Russia. She sat down next to us on a chair, turned on the desk lamp, and began to speak in a raspy whisper that intermittently turned into a voice. Her voice only came alive when she laughed. And she laughed constantly during the interview. It turned out that most of the famous information about the star is pure fiction.
Maria Rosa Gallo's Life
Mrs. Gallo, we have heard that you are called Andrea Del Bocca's second mother. They say even Andrea herself addresses you that way. Is that true? - No, of course not! I have a wonderful relationship with this family and have known Nicolas for a long time. I love and respect Andrea, who has such a rich inner world! But there has never been any familiarity between us.
Is it true that you used to date Andrea's father? - A romance with Nicolas?! Haha! Of course not! We did meet a long time ago. It was in the early days of my career, in the 50s. I had just returned from Italy. But there was never any love affair between us. I can guess where these rumors originated: I simply love their whole family too much!
They say you initially did not like soap operas and did not consider them art… - Do you want to know the truth? I was simply not invited to them. It's all nonsense that I don't like television. I have worked a lot on TV, especially in soap operas. I have acted with Andrea, worked with her father, and collaborated with other wonderful directors. I must admit that I prefer television from the past, when actors were treated with more respect. Nowadays, nobody cares about your condition, there's no time for preparation, it's all rushing around, and you have to finish shooting everything in the shortest possible time. I'm not just talking about "Kachorra" - it happens with every series.
So, is it not easy for you to work on "Kachorra"? - What do you mean, not easy? In all my years of career, I have learned to live through my work. Personally, it is difficult for me to work with bad actors on the same set. I can't stand such projects. But when you are surrounded by talented people, work brings pleasure!
What category do Natalia Oreiro and Pablo Rago belong to? - I adore them! Pablo is undoubtedly a brilliant actor and a wonderful person. Natalia is different: fast, spontaneous - she's a real hurricane. She reminds me of my youth, and that's wonderful.
Do you already know what you will do after "Kachorra"? - Haha! At 80 years old, you don't make long-term plans! There's nothing on the horizon! If I'm still alive - I will continue acting in the theater. Currently, I am working on a comedy play called "Extra-Women": it's a wonderfully funny production where everything is exaggerated. We have a blast.
We read that you have had an eventful life. Why were you expelled from the country? - It was during the rule of President Peron when society was divided between his supporters and fierce opponents. Although I never belonged to the communists, I always held "left" views. Artists at that time were required to participate in political actions in support of the military government, but I had a different opinion. I was deemed a persona non grata, an enemy. I had to leave Argentina. I lived in Italy for seven years and worked in the theater.
Is it true that armed people broke into your house and forcibly took you to the airport? - Not exactly. They were already monitoring me before the expulsion, and there was always a policeman stationed on the corner of my house. I lived on the seventh floor and had a perfect view of him. One day, several military personnel came to me and presented a terrible ultimatum: either I stay in the country under the supervision of a gendarme who would move in with me, or I leave. Many actors agreed to these conditions at that time. The police lived in their homes, rummaged through their things, listened to their phone conversations. Is that a life?! If I want to go to the bathroom, I have to inform the gendarme first! Outrageous! I said "no" and emigrated. It was a terrible time.
So why did you come back? - I had no choice. Argentina is my homeland, I love this land, it gives me strength. My parents lived here. Although I never saw my father again after his death, my mother was left alone because my brother left with me.
Have you changed your views or your relationship with the Peron government? - Not at all! I never supported the right. My idol is Fidel Castro, a very intelligent person! And at that time, in my opinion, he was the most talented politician in the world. Many now believe that Fidel stayed in power for too long. However, his people do not die of hunger, everyone has a minimum standard of living, albeit without excess. The Cubans are all happy. It used to be the same in Russia!
Have you been to the Soviet Union? - Of course! I came on tour. We performed in theaters in Moscow, St. Petersburg, which was called Leningrad at that time, and in Vilnius.
What memories do you have of Russia? - I was enchanted. I don't know if I could have lived there, but I really liked everything I saw. The Soviet people amazed me - they were exceptionally friendly and hospitable. I was also impressed by their reverent attitude towards actors. At that time, nobody knew us, but many people came to the premiere with flowers. I remember my first impression of Moscow vividly. We stayed in a hotel in the city center, and I decided to take a walk alone. It was a wonderful summer night, with a fresh breeze blowing. I went to Red Square, and my legs weakened when I saw the waving red flag. Although I am not a communist, there was something great, proud, and awe-inspiring about it. And now, how do you live in Russia?
In some ways, our lives are similar to Argentina: we have also experienced a crisis. - Yes, the crisis... It is certainly difficult. But what saddens me even more is the overall degradation. I remember different times! When bookstores in the San Telmo area were open 24 hours a day, and people respected each other.
We know that your parents are from Italy. - Absolutely, just like my husband. In fact, my name is Maria Rosa Gallo (not Galho!). In Argentina, this name has a bad reputation.
They say you come from a fairly wealthy family… - Not at all! My father, Jose Antonio, worked in a factory, although he was a born artist. But my father was a weak man, easily giving up and despairing. My mother, Josefina Couselo, acted in the theater. She gave us all energy and forced my father to make something of himself. But we lived in poverty. We rented an apartment in a building where several other families lived. My brother, Jose Antonio Gallo, fulfilled our father's dreams and became an extraordinary musician, composer, conductor, and the director of a music college. Like my mother, I became an actress.
Is it true that you made your debut on the radio? - In the theater, in 1943. I was 19 years old and had just graduated from the Academy of Arts. I immediately attracted attention, and my career took off. I was invited to work in films and to host radio serials. I am often asked the question: "What role would I still like to play?" There is no such role! Life has been very generous to me. Now, at 81, I am happy, satisfied, and can peacefully die.
We have seen you in "Cyganka", in "The Black Pearl", in "Manuel"... What do you remember about working on these series? - Thanks to "Manuel", I became a fashion trendsetter in Buenos Aires! Remember my character's unconventional glasses? They were made to avoid irritating my eyes - I have been sensitive to bright light for many years. However, after the series aired, such glasses became fashionable! It was a real boom. Unfortunately, we did not anticipate such a result, otherwise, we could have signed a contract with a production company and made money from advertisements.
Do you have children? - I have two: my daughter Alejandra Da Passano, who is 55 years old, and my son Claudio Da Passano, who is 45. Both from my first husband. He was a talented theater actor and director. The children followed in our footsteps and became actors. However, they are currently unemployed due to the crisis. We all live close to each other: I live in the wonderful neighborhood of Caballito, my son in Belgrano, and my daughter in Palermo Viejo. I also have three granddaughters from Alejandra: Estefania Ranni, Eleonora Ranni, and from my daughter's second marriage, Maria Monago. Plus, I already have a great-grandson, Joaquin, and another one will be born soon!
I apologize for this question, but we read that your fiance Tito was killed shortly before your wedding... - Killed?! Him?! Haha! That's hilarious! Tito, also an actor, was my second husband. No one ever thought of killing him, especially not before the wedding. What a pity. I went through a lot with him. He died of alcoholism many years after our divorce. Our wedding took place in Mexico because we could not get married in Argentina. I already had two children, and obtaining all the necessary permissions to remarry would have been a hassle.
Was he your last husband? - I divorced him in 1972 and I'm very glad about it. I thank God for not giving me children with that drunkard! Since then, I have lived alone: I'm the mistress of my own house, I don't cook - that's where happiness lies!
How can you say you don't cook? - My friend manages the kitchen. I fell ill a year and a half ago, and she volunteered to take care of me. It's not difficult, as we spent most of our time together anyway. She takes such good care of me that I don't need sanatoriums or hospitals!
