Tiziana Aristarco, director of 'Un medico in famiglia' and 'Mina Settembre', dies at 66

Tiziana Aristarco, a prolific director of Italian television fiction, died on Sunday 5 July at the age of 66. No cause of death was immediately disclosed. Her career spanned decades and included work on some of the most-watched series on RAI, the Italian public broadcaster.

A career built inside RAI

Aristarco entered RAI as an assistant director and worked on variety shows and documentaries before moving into drama. She was an assistant director and second-unit director on the first season of 'Un medico in famiglia' in 1998, then directed 18 episodes of its second season. The series became a cultural phenomenon in Italy.

She went on to direct multiple seasons of 'Provaci ancora prof!' (2012–2013), the third season of 'Fuoriclasse' (2015), and the third season of 'Mina Settembre' (2021), one of RAI's biggest recent hits. Her other credits include 'Compagni di scuola', 'Casa famiglia 2', 'Raccontami', and 'Come fai sbagli'.

Family and early life

Born in Milan on 19 February 1960, Aristarco was the daughter of Guido Aristarco, a prominent Italian film critic and founder of the journal 'Cinema Nuovo'. She spent her formative years in Genoa and Turin. She was married to director Riccardo Donna, with whom she also collaborated professionally.

Tributes from actors

Serena Rossi, who played the title role in 'Mina Settembre', posted a long tribute on Instagram.

Here we are, my Tiziana, what immense, tearing pain. I won't write about the director you were, the extraordinary professional always searching for deep truth and beauty. Everyone knows that. You were much more: a guide, a safe harbour. A mix of tenacity, great irony and infinite sweetness. We understood each other at first glance. So many laughs, so many adventures, so much effort through the streets of Naples with that little red coat and so many warm hugs... how much love you gave to all of us. This remains forever. Thank you. I will miss you immensely. Your Serena.

Actress Serena Autieri, whom Aristarco directed in 'Una famiglia imperfetta', also shared a message.

Ciao Tiziana, thank you for what you gave me, on and off the set. You will continue to live in the memory of those who had the privilege of meeting you.

Legacy in Italian television

Aristarco's work bridged the late 1990s golden age of Italian family drama and the contemporary streaming-era successes of RAI. Her direction of 'Mina Settembre', set in Naples, was widely praised for its warmth and authenticity. She leaves behind her husband Riccardo Donna and two children.