Baudo, Mattarella's message: protagonist and innovator of television
From Gassmann to Jovanotti, from Mara Venier to Antonella Clerici chorus of messages: 'Thank you'. The Sistina Theatre will name its seat after him.
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Key points
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"Pippo Baudo, protagonist and innovator of television". With these words also the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, remembers the historic presenter, who died yesterday 16 August in Rome, at the age of 89. The Head of State remembers his 'professionalism, culture, politeness and extraordinary ability to interpret the tastes and expectations of Italian television viewers', according to a note issued by the Quirinale a short while ago. For the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, Baudo was 'the face and voice that accompanied entire generations, thank you'.
Pippo Baudo's funeral will be held in Militello in Val di Catania, Sicily, his birthplace, on Wednesday 20 August. This was confirmed by the mayor, Giovanni Burtone.
Gassmann: last presenter of the age of grace
From politics to culture, from TV to artists, the condolences are unanimous. "A great character, a television entertainer. One who cared a lot about democracy. We will miss him," former Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni wrote on X. "Pippo, in my life you were a light and guide, a precious witness of my best moments", are the words Serena Autieri on social media. For Alessandro Gassmann, 'the last presenter of that era where grace and culture existed disappears'.
Jovanotti: working with you was "Fantastic"
"Hello dear great Pippo. Knowing you and working with you has been "fantastic", said Jovanotti, Lorenzo Cherubini. And Gerry Scotti added: 'Pippo a great, a giant, a true number one'. For Simona Ventura, Baudo was 'my maestro, I will never forget you'. 'Pippo Baudo was a militant of a very important enterprise: the great Rai, that wonderful Rai that we celebrated last year, on the occasion of its 70th anniversary,' Renzo Arbore continued.
Carlo Conti: it's like turning off the TV
"It's like turning off the TV he invented", wrote Carlo Conti; and Katia Ricciarelli, said: "We lose number 1, ours was true love". "In 1967 I started with him on Settevoci and never stopped," is Al Bano's recollection. "Happy journey Pippo, we all owe you a lot," said Antonella Clerici. And Giorgia: 'You invented us, we told each other everything until the very end'. For Mara Venier, Baudo was 'a friend and point of reference'. Lorella Cuccarini, said: 'You were my artistic dad, thanks to you my dreams came true'.
