Sabrina Impacciatore, born on March 29, 1968, in Rome, Italy, is an Italian actress, comedian, and television presenter internationally recognized for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of hotel manager Valentina in the second season of HBO’s “The White Lotus” (2022). With a career spanning over three decades since 1988, she gained fame in Italy through variety shows like “Non è la RAI” and has worked with acclaimed directors including Ettore Scola, Gabriele Muccino, and Mel Gibson. Her recent role as Esmeralda Grand in “The Paper” and her status as an Italian LGBTQ+ icon have further cemented her position as one of Italy’s most versatile performers.
Sabrina Impacciatore Early Life and Family Background
Sabrina Impacciatore was born in Rome, Italy, to parents from different regions of the country. Her father, Enea, originated from Abruzzo, while her mother, Pachita, came from Sardinia. Her mother owns a jewelry shop in Rome that sells precious gems and jewels.
Details about siblings or extended family members are not publicly disclosed. Impacciatore has maintained relative privacy about her family life throughout her career. Her multicultural Italian heritage from both Abruzzo and Sardinia influenced her upbringing in the capital city.
Sabrina Impacciatore Age
Sabrina Impacciatore was born on March 29, 1968, making her 57 years old as of 2026. Her zodiac sign is Aries. She began her entertainment career as a teenager and achieved her first major success at age 25 when discovered by television producer Gianni Boncompagni.
Her international breakthrough came at age 54 with “The White Lotus” Season 2, demonstrating that significant career milestones can occur at any age. She continues working actively in both Italian and international productions in her late fifties.
Sabrina Impacciatore Education and Training
Sabrina Impacciatore studied acting at the prestigious Actors Studio in New York. She also enrolled in several other acting courses in Rome to develop her craft. This combination of American and Italian training provided her with diverse acting techniques.
While pursuing her acting education, Impacciatore self-funded her studies by working as a cleaning lady, vacuuming and preparing staging sets. This period of financial struggle preceded her eventual success in the entertainment industry. The practical work experience during her training years gave her perspective on the behind-the-scenes aspects of theater production.
Sabrina Impacciatore Early Career in Italian Television
At age 25, Sabrina Impacciatore was discovered by influential television producer Gianni Boncompagni. Overwhelmed by her volcanic personality, Boncompagni cast her in the iconic Italian TV program “Non è la RAI”. She debuted as a teenager star in roles as a comedian and singer on Boncompagni’s shows including “Non è la RAI” and “Macao”.
On “Non è la RAI,” Impacciatore performed comedy sketches and her own song “Né donna né bambina” (in English, “Neither a woman nor a girl”). This performance made her an Italian TV legend and established her as an instant queer icon in Italy. The hugely popular 1990s variety show launched her career and made her a household name in Italy.
Impacciatore also appeared as an impersonator in several variety shows during this period. She became the first woman to take the stage as a single presenter of the yearly First of May Concert, a significant milestone in Italian television. Her versatility and performance skills distinguished her among Italian entertainers.
Sabrina Impacciatore Film Career
Sabrina Impacciatore transitioned successfully from television to cinema around 2000, dividing her time between both mediums. She appeared in “L’ultimo bacio” (The Last Kiss) directed by Gabriele Muccino in 2001. That same year, she starred in “Concorrenza Sleale” (Unfair Competition) directed by Ettore Scola.
In 2003, Impacciatore appeared in Ettore Scola’s “Gente di Roma” (People of Rome). She had a role in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” (2004), one of the highest-grossing R-rated films in history. These collaborations with prominent international and Italian directors established her credibility as a serious film actress.
Her Italian filmography includes both comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing her range as a performer. She worked with multiple acclaimed directors, demonstrating versatility across different film genres. Her ability to switch between comedy and drama became a hallmark of her career.
International Breakthrough with “The White Lotus”
Sabrina Impacciatore gained international recognition through her role as Valentina, the hotel manager in Season 2 of HBO’s “The White Lotus” (2022). She portrayed a lonely, stressed-out, ferocious woman in the midst of a sexual awakening. Her improvised line where she tells Jennifer Coolidge’s character Tanya that she looks like “Peppa Pig!” became an instant meme.
The role earned Impacciatore a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. After decades working in the Italian TV and film industry, she channeled her passion, eccentricity, and depth of feeling into Valentina, winning millions of international fans. An Emmy nomination soon followed this breakout performance.
Impacciatore described the experience as beyond her expectations but fulfilling her dreams. Being part of “The White Lotus” provided opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible in Italy alone. The role transformed her life and career, turning it upside-down.
Recent Work in “The Paper”
Sabrina Impacciatore stars as Esmeralda Grand in the comedy series “The Paper”. Among a cast of fine comic actors including Domhnall Gleeson and Tim Key, Impacciatore serves as the show’s demonic gem. As Esmeralda, she plays a constant menace and saboteur with a delightfully loose grip on English.
Initially, Impacciatore worried she wouldn’t be able to make the character sympathetic, thinking people might hate her for playing someone “really nasty”. To make Esmeralda “somehow lovable,” she channeled Tweety, the little yellow bird from Looney Tunes cartoons who terrorizes Sylvester the cat. This approach made the character appear as a nightmare on the surface but actually quite sweet inside.
Sabrina Impacciatore Husband and Relationship Status
Sabrina Impacciatore is currently single and has never been married. She has kept her romantic relationships relatively private throughout her career. Past relationships have been documented but specific details remain limited.
Impacciatore was previously linked to Nick George and was engaged to Giovanni La Parola around 2015. In December 2016, she attended the Rome Fiction Festival with a boyfriend. In a 2025 interview, she stated she had been “free for three and a half years” from a past relationship, confirming her single status.
In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Impacciatore revealed she had been in a three-year relationship with someone from Ojai, California. The relationship ended due to misunderstandings when the man broke up with her. According to available records, Impacciatore has no children.
Sabrina Impacciatore Personal Struggles and Identity
Sabrina Impacciatore has spoken openly about feeling insecure throughout her life and career. She described feeling “ugly, insecure, never enough” despite her success. These personal struggles contrasted with her outsized passion and volcanic personality that made her famous.
Her status as an LGBTQ+ icon in Italy stems from her work on “Non è la RAI” and her authentic, expressive performance style. Impacciatore has become particularly beloved within queer communities for her fearless, unapologetic portrayals of complex women. Her openness about vulnerability has endeared her to fans who relate to her experiences of self-doubt.
Physical Attributes
Sabrina Impacciatore stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm). She weighs approximately 56 kg (123 lbs). Additional physical details beyond height and weight are not extensively documented.
Sabrina Impacciatore Net Worth
Sabrina Impacciatore’s estimated net worth is approximately $3 million as of recent reports. Her exact financial status and net worth figures are not publicly disclosed in official sources. Her income derives from acting roles in film, television, and theater, as well as presenting work.
Her decades-long career in Italian entertainment, combined with international breakthrough roles like “The White Lotus,” have contributed to her financial success. Specific details about property holdings, investments, or asset distribution remain private.
Online Presence
Sabrina Impacciatore maintains an active presence on Instagram and Facebook. She uses social media to connect with fans and share updates about her professional work. Her international fan base expanded significantly following “The White Lotus,” particularly among English-speaking audiences.
The “Peppa Pig” meme from “The White Lotus” went viral on social media platforms, introducing Impacciatore to millions who had never encountered her Italian work. This online visibility has enhanced her recognition beyond traditional media channels.
Legacy and Impact
Sabrina Impacciatore’s career trajectory demonstrates the possibility of achieving international recognition after decades of regional success. Her work in Italian television and film from the 1990s onward established her as a respected performer within Italy. “The White Lotus” finally provided the global platform that showcased her talents to international audiences.
Her status as an Italian queer icon reflects the cultural impact of her authentic, passionate performances. Impacciatore’s ability to make deeply flawed, complex characters lovable distinguishes her approach to acting. Her willingness to be vulnerable and discuss insecurities resonates with audiences who appreciate honest self-reflection.
Her work spans comedy, drama, presenting, and character acting, demonstrating remarkable versatility. At age 54, her Emmy nomination for “The White Lotus” proved that transformative career moments can occur at any stage of life. Impacciatore continues to work actively in both Italian and international productions, building on her newfound global recognition.