Carlotta Gamba Shines in HBO’s “Portobello” Series

Italian actress Carlotta Gamba is captivating audiences with her portrayal of Silvia, the daughter of Enzo Tortora, in the new HBO Max miniseries “Portobello.” The series, directed by Marco Bellocchio, premiered on February 23, 2024, and delves into the controversial legal case surrounding the beloved television presenter Enzo Tortora.

Who is Carlotta Gamba?

Born in Turin on April 16, 1997, Carlotta Gamba is a rising star in the Italian film and television industry. Gamba spent part of her childhood in Asti, the hometown of her parents, following their divorce. She later returned to Turin with her mother, where she pursued her education at the Liceo Coreutico Teatrale Germana Erba and the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi, studying cello.

Before dedicating herself fully to acting, Gamba was also a member of an independent band, Junk Food, where they performed covers of artists like Leonard Cohen, The Lumineers, and Tre Allegri Ragazzi Morti.

Gamba honed her acting skills at the Accademia nazionale d’arte drammatica “Silvio D’Amico” in Rome, graduating in 2020. During her studies, she participated in numerous theatrical productions at the Teatro Duse in Rome.

Recent Roles and Accolades

Gamba made her film debut in 2021 with Damiano and Fabio D’Innocenzo’s “America Latina.” Her breakthrough role came in 2022 when she was chosen by Pupi Avati to play Beatrice Portinari in “Dante” and Livia Bonazza in “Amusia.”

In 2023, she appeared in Walter Veltroni’s “Quando,” portraying a young Flavia. 2024 proved to be a particularly successful year, with roles in Margherita Vicario’s “Gloria!,” Maura Delpero’s “Vermiglio,” and Sara Petraglia’s “L’albero.” Her performances in these films earned her the David Rivelazioni Italiane award at the David di Donatello awards, recognizing emerging acting talent.

She also garnered critical acclaim for her role as Ambra Vitello in the Sky Atlantic miniseries “Dostoevskij,” receiving a nomination for a Nastri d’Argento – Grandi Serie award for Best Supporting Actress.

“Portobello” and Future Projects

Gamba expressed her excitement about working with director Marco Bellocchio, calling it “a gift” and an honor to be part of the “Portobello” cast. The series recounts the story of Enzo Tortora’s wrongful arrest in 1983 on charges of drug trafficking and his eventual exoneration in 1986, just months before his death.

Beyond “Portobello,” Gamba is also set to appear in Marco Santini’s debut feature film, “The Great Jaffa,” alongside Edoardo Pesce, and in Michele Pennetta’s “The White Club.”