Stefano De Martino's father dies at 61.

Enrico De Martino, father of host Stefano De Martino, has died. He was 61 and had reportedly been struggling with health issues for some time. The news spread rapidly in the last few hours, sparking grief in Torre Annunziata, where he was well-known and respected.

A former professional dancer, Enrico De Martino had dedicated a significant part of his life to the world of dance, a passion he later passed on to his son. He had worked at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples before retiring at 25, choosing to dedicate himself to his family after his wife's pregnancy.

Over the years, Stefano De Martino has spoken repeatedly about his relationship with his father, describing it as intense but not easy, especially in the early stages. Enrico himself, despite having passed on his love of dance to his son, reportedly viewed the decision to turn it into a career with apprehension, fearing the sacrifices and uncertainties typical of an artistic career. This rigidity, over time, eased, leaving room for a more serene relationship.

According to the host's remarks in several interviews, the bond between the two was further strengthened by the birth of Santiago, a factor that fostered dialogue and complicity. After retiring from the stage, Enrico De Martino continued to pursue dance as a passion, later dedicating himself to the restaurant business.

Enrico De Martino's passing brings to a close a family history marked by responsible choices, sacrifices, and a love that remained central to the public narrative of his son, now a well-known face on RAI.
On the day of his farewell, many remember Enrico De Martino as a man devoted to his family and his choices, in a story of responsibility, sacrifice, and affection.

 Stefano's birth stopped his career as a dancer at the San Carlo

Enrico De Martino has dedicated his life to dance, collaborating with schools and companies in Campania and also dancing at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. In 2025, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Teatro Verdi in Salerno as part of the 24th edition of the Premio Salerno Danza, under the artistic direction of Corona Paone, principal dancer at the Teatro San Carlo, and Luigi Ferrone, principal dancer at the Teatro Massimo in Naples.

Enrico De Martino proudly recalled his artistic journey and the career that ended at 25, when his wife announced she was pregnant with Stefano. "At that point, I had to take on a responsibility. Dance became a hobby, but I did everything I could to ensure Stefano could live out his passion," he explained in an interview with Corriere della Sera.

Until his 40s, Enrico De Martino combined dance with his restaurant business, continuing to collaborate with various schools in Campania. Stefano De Martino's relationship with his father has been profound and complex over the years. The host has repeatedly explained how Enrico was initially opposed to his decision to pursue a career in dance, considering it too difficult and uncertain.

Enrico himself explained this position in several interviews, where he emphasized the physical and mental challenges of the profession. Over time, the bond between father and son gradually strengthened, finding a new balance, especially after the birth of Santiago, which contributed to a more relaxed and informed relationship.

Enrico also recalled the satisfaction of seeing his son establish himself as a television host: "I've followed his entire evolution, step by step. Watching him host important programs is a tremendous joy.

The greatest gift is that he remained the person he was, without getting a big head.” Among his most precious memories is also that of his first meeting with Maria De Filippi, Stefano's talent scout on “Amici”: “It was a beautiful meeting. She asked me if I was happy with my son's career, and what could I say? Very happy.”

And his father loved to emphasize how Stefano's success hadn't changed his humanity: "He always gave us beautiful gifts, but the greatest gift is that he remained the boy we knew."