When I was studying acting in London alongside Will, his parents came to visit and see one of our third year shows. Will and I were among a handful of international students at the school, and after the performance Giovanni made sure to invite me and two of our classmates, one from Ireland and one from Australia – whose parents could not make the show – out for dinner. That evening he was a father to us all, plying us with great food and drink and celebrating our final year – not allowing us to even reach for our wallets! This kind gesture meant the world the world to me, and remains one of my fondest memories from that time. It was also characteristic of the man I would come to know through many visits on either side of the Atlantic. We would often talk about our neighbouring home countries, Italy and the now former Yugoslavia – the food, the culture and the languages. I always felt welcomed in his warm company and my future visits to New York will never quite be the same without a sit-down with Giovanni over some pasta and good wine…
Shared by Dino Kelly
