By Entertainment Desk | sbkinews.in
Date: August 17, 2025
In a significant cultural loss for Italy, legendary television presenter Pippo Baudo passed away in Rome on August 16, 2025, at the age of 89. The news, confirmed by his longtime friend and lawyer Giorgio Assumma, said he died following a heart attack.([turn0news3], [turn0news2])
A Six-Decade Legacy in Italian Television
Giuseppe Vittorio Raimondo Baudo was born in Militello, Val di Catania, Sicily, on June 7, 1936. He went on to have one of the most distinguished broadcasting careers in Italian history. His television debut came in 1959, but it was his hosting of the musical program Settevoci (1966–70) that catapulted him to national prominence.
Baudo’s commanding presence and quick wit made him a staple of variety TV. Over the decades, he fronted iconic programs like Canzonissima, Domenica In, Fantastico, Serata d’onore, Novecento, Luna Park, and Varietà.
The Sanremo Maestro
Pippo Baudo is the only presenter to have hosted the Sanremo Music Festival thirteen times. His tenure included directing several editions as artistic director, further shaping the event’s tone and popularity. From 1968 to 2008, Baudo became synonymous with Italy’s most prestigious music festival.
Shaping Talent and Cultural Narratives
Baudo’s influence extended beyond presentation. He had a unique knack for mentoring emerging artists—spotting and promoting future stars like Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, and Giorgia. He helped redefine variety television as a platform of discovery and storytelling.
Baudo became more than just a TV personality because to his charisma and style; he became a symbol of Italian television. European Parliament member David Casa hailed him as a symbol of “elegance, seriousness and passion for the arts.”
Honors and Lasting Influence
In 2021, Baudo received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, Italy’s highest civilian honor. President Sergio Mattarella awarded it for his lifelong contributions to entertainment.([turn0news3])
Colleagues and viewers alike mourn his passing. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called him “one of the greatest protagonists in the history of Italian television,” adding that his face and voice had provided “emotions, smiles, and unforgettable moments.” Renato Schifani, President of Sicily, described Baudo’s death as the end of an era.
Final Farewell
Baudo passed away at the Campus Bio-Medico in Rome. His funeral is scheduled for August 20 in his hometown of Militello in Val di Catania, with services led by the Bishop of Caltagirone.
Across Italy—from artists to audiences—there’s a common sentiment: Pippo Baudo wasn’t just a presenter. He was a cultural anchor, a mentor, and a comforting presence remembered fondly for guiding Italians through decades of television.
At a Glance: Pippo Baudo’s Life & Career
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Giuseppe Vittorio Raimondo “Pippo” Baudo |
| Born/Died | June 7, 1936 – August 16, 2025 |
| Career Span | ~60 years (late 1950s – 2023) |
| Signature Shows | Settevoci, Canzonissima, Domenica In, Fantastico, Novecento |
| Sanremo Record | 13-time host; several as artistic director |
| Cultural Impact | Launchpad for artists like Bocelli and Pausini; TV’s refined keynote |
| Honors | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit (2021) |
| Death | Died of heart attack in Rome; funeral on August 20 |
Bottom Line:
As a pioneering force in television, Pippo Baudo redefined Italian entertainment with grace, sophistication, and a nurturing spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will remain etched in the fabric of Italian culture—and in the memories of viewers who saw their lives reflected on the screen.
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