11 Unexpected Insights About Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci is the epitome of a modern Renaissance figure. His multifaceted career includes acting, writing, directing, producing, and even authoring cookbooks. Known for his viral cocktail expertise, he now hosts his own culinary show. The same man who guided Anne Hathaway's fashion transformation in The Devil Wears Prada is set to take viewers on a gastronomic journey across Italy with his CNN series, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy. The show documents Tucci's exploration of Italy's iconic cities through their cuisine, essentially fulfilling a dream job for many. Given these fascinating tidbits about his life, the Oscar-nominated star has certainly earned this role.

1. Stanley Tucci spent a year of his childhood living in Italy.

As a second-generation Italian-American, Stanley Tucci was born and raised in New York but had the opportunity to live in Florence during his youth. His father, an art teacher, took a year-long sabbatical, allowing the family to immerse themselves in Italian culture. “It was there that I learned Italian and developed a deep appreciation for the culture,” he shared with Cultural Weekly. “I am undoubtedly captivated by Italy, and my Italian roots are a fundamental part of my identity."

2. Stanley Tucci’s initial on-screen role was in a Levi’s advertisement.

Back in 1985, a young Stanley Tucci featured in a Levi’s commercial, sporting snug 501 jeans and a simple white tank top. This ad, which occasionally resurfaces online, continues to capture attention. That same year, Tucci also made his cinematic debut with a minor role in Prizzi’s Honor.

3. Stanley Tucci is a highly respected theater actor.

While Tucci is widely recognized for his film roles, he is also a veteran of the stage. He notably played Johnny in the Broadway premiere of Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune in 2002, a role previously performed by F. Murray Abraham off-Broadway. Tucci earned a Tony nomination for his performance and has remained active in theater. In 2010, he directed the Broadway revival of Lend Me A Tenor, featuring his frequent collaborator and friend Tony Shalhoub.

4. Stanley Tucci is a passionate food enthusiast—and he co-wrote, co-directed, and starred in one of the most celebrated food films of all time.

Throughout his career, Tucci has written and directed five films, with his debut—1996's Big Night—standing out as particularly personal. Collaborating with Joseph Tropiano on the script and Campbell Scott on direction, Tucci also starred in the film, which highlights his Italian roots and the cultural significance of food in Italy. The story revolves around two brothers, portrayed by Tucci and Tony Shalhoub, as they struggle to keep their Italian restaurant afloat.

While Tucci's passion for cooking heavily influenced the film, his friend and Big Night producer Oliver Platt shared with Cigar Aficionado that Tucci also aimed to counter the stereotypical portrayal of Italian-Americans as gangsters. “Big Night is a deliberate reaction to the way Italian-Americans were depicted in media and pop culture,” Platt explained. “Stanley wanted to tell a story about authentic people and their lives in America. And he achieved that brilliantly.”

5. As a child, Stanley Tucci had a deep fascination with Julia Child.

In a 2010 NPR interview, Tucci discussed his role in Julie & Julia and shared his lifelong admiration for Julia Child. “I was pretty much obsessed with Julia Child—ever since I was a kid,” he admitted, recalling how he watched her show with his mother. “I remember being so moved by her passion for cooking that I’d almost tear up at the end of her episodes. She truly loved what she did.”

6. Before filming Julie & Julia, Stanley Tucci insisted on cooking with Meryl Streep.

When Meryl Streep invited Tucci to portray Paul Child, Julia Child’s husband, in Julie & Julia (2009), Tucci suggested they cook together to prepare for their roles. “You and I need to cook together,” he mentioned in an interview with The New York Times. “I don’t want to sound pushy or overly Method, but we need to spend time in a kitchen together.” The two acclaimed actors prepared blanquette de veau (a veal stew) and tarte Tatin (a caramelized fruit tart) at Streep’s Manhattan home. Streep later shared with Cigar Aficionado that Tucci is "quite commanding in the kitchen."

7. Stanley Tucci's first wife passed away from breast cancer.

Tucci has three grown children from his first marriage to Kate Spath-Tucci, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2009. Married to Kate from 1995 until her passing, Tucci has been candid about his grieving journey. In January 2021, he opened up to CBS Sunday Morning, stating: "You never stop grieving. It's still difficult after 11 years. It's still hard. And it will always be hard. But you can't let it consume you ... and she would never want any of us to dwell in that grief and let it dominate our lives. She would never want that. She wasn't like that."

8. Stanley Tucci has penned two cookbooks.

While many fans are aware of Tucci's culinary and mixology skills, it might come as a surprise that he has written not just one, but two cookbooks. His debut, The Tucci Cookbook, published in 2012, is filled with cherished family recipes. His second, The Tucci Table: Cooking with Family and Friends, released in 2014, was a collaborative effort with his wife, Felicity Blunt. The book beautifully blends their Italian and British culinary traditions.

9. Stanley Tucci is connected to John Krasinski through family.

In 2012, Tucci tied the knot with literary agent Felicity Blunt. Felicity is the sister of Emily Blunt, who not only co-starred with Tucci in her breakthrough film The Devil Wears Prada but is also married to The Office actor John Krasinski, making Krasinski and Tucci brothers-in-law. Interestingly, Felicity and Tucci reportedly met at Krasinski and Emily’s wedding in Italy.

While Blunt and Tucci reside in London with their two children, Krasinski and Blunt live in Los Angeles. However, the families reunited during the 2020 holiday season and even created a festive holiday cocktail video together to celebrate.

10. Stanley Tucci takes his cocktail kit to work.

Following the viral popularity of his cocktail-making skills in April 2020, Tucci's Captain America: The First Avenger co-star Chris Evans shared that Tucci often made drinks for the cast on set. “On many (if not most) days after filming Captain America, Stanley would whip up martinis in his trailer,” Evans tweeted.

Tucci later verified this during an interview on The Graham Norton Show, explaining that he enjoys bringing his portable cocktail kit to work. “I carry a compact cocktail set to set, and if the timing is right, I make martinis for anyone who wants to join me,” he said. “It’s a pleasant and civilized way to unwind.”

11. Stanley Tucci exercises five times every week.

Tucci’s charm and fitness have often sent fans into a frenzy, and he maintains his physique through dedication. The actor, who hits the gym four to five times weekly, shared in a 2017 interview that working out helps him stay balanced while enjoying his love for food and drink. “I exercise because I enjoy eating, savoring martinis, drinking wine, dining out, and cooking. To indulge in these pleasures, you need to balance them out.”