Piero Chiambretti has called for the Teatro delle Vittorie to be named in honor of the late television icon Pippo Baudo, stating that a single tribute show would not be sufficient to honor his legacy. Arriving at the theater, which is hosting Baudo’s lying-in-state until noon, Chiambretti declared that Baudo was a figure who “made this company great” and that the broadcaster owes him the highest recognition.
Contrary to his public image as a conservative, Chiambretti asserted that Baudo was, in fact, “revolutionary,” crediting him with nothing less than inventing Italian television. “It has been a very hard blow for me to have to come here this morning,” he added emotionally.
Reflecting on their shared history, Chiambretti recalled hosting the 1997 Sanremo Festival, the first after Baudo’s era, and then co-hosting the 2008 edition with the veteran presenter himself. He noted that while it initially seemed impossible to host the festival without Baudo, the 2008 edition was particularly difficult. He praised Baudo’s grace in defeat, calling him a “great gentleman” who took responsibility for a result that was “not sufficiently triumphant.”
Chiambretti also shared personal memories, recalling Baudo’s private wit and expressive facial expressions. To lighten the somber mood, he recounted a humorous anecdote about them sharing a dentist. Where Chiambretti required “horse doses of anesthesia,” Baudo was “courageous, scornful of pain” and would simply fall asleep. This bravery, Chiambretti suggested, extended to how Baudo faced a long illness “with courage and a desire to recover.”
In a final summation, Chiambretti said Baudo “embodied all of us, the virtues and flaws of the Italian people.” He highlighted how Baudo’s shows, particularly Sanremo, were a “sounding board” for society, forcing him to navigate complex issues with politicians, unions, and workers, demonstrating his “360-degree view” of current events.
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