Marcello Muratori, the suave and irresistibly charming Italian heartthrob portrayed by Eugenio Franceschini in “Emily in Paris”, is every woman’s dream man… at least in the fictional world. With his charisma, deep family values, and effortless ability to bring out the best in those around him, Marcello has captured the hearts of fans everywhere.
But behind the screen, Franceschini is far from the perfect, polished character he plays. In an exclusive interview with PAGEONE, he opened up about his life, his career, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. This was a rare opportunity to see Franceschini not as Marcello, but as the real man—warm, humble, and full of wisdom—that anyone can relate to. Through his candid words, he shared valuable life lessons that extend beyond acting, offering insights we can all live by.
Family comes first.
Franceschini may play the smooth, sophisticated Marcello but at his core, he’s a family man. Despite his rising fame, Franceschini is grounded by his values and the love he has for his loved ones. He made it clear during the interview that his priorities remain firmly with his family, especially his children. “I don’t care a lot about popularity,” he said. “I prefer to live simply because I have a family. I have kids. I like to live my life in a normal way without a lot of people around me.”
This perspective reflects Marcello’s own down-to-earth qualities. While Marcello is charming, wealthy, and well-educated, he is also deeply committed to his family, and that’s something Franceschini values in real life too. He notes how important it is to have that balance—work and fame are important, but they’re not worth much without the love and support of those closest to you. For Franceschini, family isn’t just a priority; it’s the anchor that keeps him grounded in a world that often pulls people away from what really matters.
Humility is the key to success.
One of the most admirable traits of Franceschini, both as a person and as Marcello, is his humility. Despite starring in a popular Netflix show and receiving adoration from fans around the world, Franceschini is far from the typical “celebrity”. He admits, “I don’t care a lot about popularity.”
Marcello shares this trait of humility. Although Marcello comes from a wealthy, influential family and has a background that might seem privileged to many, he doesn’t flaunt his status. As Franceschini explains, “Marcello and I have different backgrounds and everything. He has an important family, a rich family… He’s not a normal man with a normal life. He’s special. My background is more normal, I grew up in a small village in the countryside in Verona. One thing I think we have in common [is that] he doesn’t like to show how important he is.”
This reluctance to show off wealth or importance is something Franceschini values both in his character and in his real life. His approach to success isn’t about seeking attention or recognition but about doing meaningful work with integrity. This humility, rather than arrogance, has become a cornerstone of his appeal—whether in acting or in how he interacts with others. For Franceschini, true success is measured not by how much one can show off, but by how well one can remain true to themselves and their values despite the spotlight.
Always be grateful to your fans.
Franceschini’s gratitude towards his fans is a consistent theme throughout his career. During the interview, he expressed his appreciation for the love and support, especially from his Filipino fans. He humbly attributed the admiration to his work as Marcello, saying, “I think this means I acted well—I did my work in the best way so I’m happy about this.” Yet, even with this recognition, Franceschini remains self-aware and grounded, avoiding the temptation to let popularity define him.
He also acknowledges the importance of connecting with his fans, especially in a world where social media can often create a barrier between celebrities and their audience. For Franceschini, a simple “thank you” goes a long way, and he values the genuine connection with those who appreciate his craft. It’s a reminder to all of us that no matter how much success we achieve, taking the time to express gratitude is one of the most important ways to nurture those relationships.
Vulnerability is strength.
Perhaps the most profound lesson Franceschini shared is his view on vulnerability and its role in relationships. When asked about advice for winning a woman’s heart, he wisely suggested, “I think it’s important to speak about our weakness. If you want to stay with a person for all your life, the first thing is that this person has to accept your weakness. This is important.”
For many, the idea of showing vulnerability can seem counterintuitive in romance, where strength and stoicism are often emphasized. But for Franceschini, embracing one’s flaws and imperfections is the true path to lasting love. Marcello, despite being a wealthy and sophisticated man, isn’t afraid to show his true self to Emily. This raw honesty makes him a more relatable and attractive character, a sentiment that Franceschini mirrors in his personal philosophy.
Vulnerability allows us to build deeper, more authentic connections, not just in love but in all aspects of life. In Franceschini’s words, accepting our weaknesses is essential to forming lasting bonds—whether with family, friends, or romantic partners.
Appreciate the simple things.
In a world that often celebrates the extravagant and the showy, Franceschini’s approach to life serves as a refreshing reminder to appreciate the simple things. Despite his fame, he gravitates toward a more peaceful, quieter lifestyle. This is evident in his love for his family and his grounded personality. During his interview, he reflected on the beauty of small moments, particularly when filming in iconic Italian locations like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
He recalled the surreal experience of filming at 5 a.m., when the usually crowded locations were empty and the crew had the spaces all to themselves. “It was really a moment that I will keep with me for the rest of my life,” he said. This sentiment echoes a larger lesson about the importance of savoring life’s fleeting, simple moments—whether it’s a quiet moment with loved ones, a walk through your favorite part of town, or just enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. For Franceschini, these moments hold far more value than the loud, crowded experiences that can sometimes overshadow the quiet joys in life.
