donatella versace penelope cruz ,How Penelope Cruz Got into Character for Donatella ,donatella versace penelope cruz, EW now has your exclusive first official image of Cruz as Donatella, who took control of her brother's fashion house after Gianni's murder by Cunanan in 1997.
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Two decades after the tragic murder of her brother Gianni Versace, Donatella Versace’s name still resonates as a symbol of resilience, luxury, and fashion iconography. She was not just a survivor of one of the most shocking losses in the fashion world, but also the visionary who carried the Versace legacy forward with grace, innovation, and the fierce spirit Gianni instilled in her. Her journey from grief to the global stage as the creative director of Versace was one that commanded both admiration and scrutiny. Yet, it’s only recently that the world has truly seen the human side of Donatella in all its complexity.
Penélope Cruz, an actress revered for her depth and authenticity, took on the challenging role of portraying Donatella Versace in *Versace: American Crime Story*. It was a role that required not only the ability to channel Donatella’s essence but also to understand the emotional and psychological transformation she underwent following her brother's death. The journey to playing such an iconic and multifaceted character was no small feat, and Cruz’s portrayal has become one of the most talked-about performances in recent TV history. Through meticulous preparation, empathy, and collaboration with Donatella herself, Cruz made the role her own, capturing both the public figure and the woman behind the headlines.
*Versace: American Crime Story* - How Penélope Cruz Stepped into Donatella’s Shoes
The *American Crime Story* franchise is known for its gripping retellings of real-life stories, and *Versace: American Crime Story* was no different. This particular season focused on the aftermath of Gianni Versace’s assassination, with a heavy emphasis on the impact his death had on his family, especially his sister Donatella. Donatella was already a well-known figure in the fashion world, but her role became even more crucial after Gianni’s death in 1997. Penélope Cruz, who had already proven her acting prowess with Oscar-winning roles, was cast to portray Donatella.
For Cruz, this was no ordinary role. It wasn’t just about mimicking Donatella’s distinctive look or speaking in her famously throaty voice. The complexity of the role lay in capturing Donatella’s deep emotional trauma, strength, and transformation. When Cruz was first approached with the role, she admitted that she was both thrilled and apprehensive. She had never done television before, and the thought of portraying someone so iconic and personally affected by a real tragedy was daunting.
“I knew the moment I read the script that this would be a challenge,” Cruz said in an interview with Mark Smith, reflecting on her initial reactions. “Donatella is an incredibly complicated character, and I didn’t want to just imitate her. I wanted to understand who she was, why she made the decisions she did, and how she navigated her grief. It was about finding her humanity.”
Penélope Cruz Asked Donatella Versace for Approval
One of the first steps Cruz took in preparing for the role was to seek Donatella’s approval. She was acutely aware that she was not merely portraying a character but stepping into the life of a real person who had lived through the trauma of losing her brother in such a violent way. Penélope knew the significance of portraying Donatella with authenticity, and this meant getting her approval to ensure the portrayal was respectful and accurate.
“It was important to me to have Donatella's blessing before moving forward,” Cruz explained. “I wanted her to know that I would honor her story, her journey, and the legacy of her brother. We met several times before filming began, and she was incredibly kind, supportive, and open with me about her memories and experiences. I wanted to understand her pain, her courage, and how she rebuilt her life after that tragedy.”
Donatella, in turn, was impressed with Cruz's commitment and her respect for the character. In a rare public interview, Donatella shared how deeply moved she was by Cruz’s performance, especially how she brought a raw vulnerability to the role. “Penélope captured the essence of my soul,” Donatella said. “She understood my pain and my strength, and I am grateful for how she portrayed me. I knew she would bring her heart into the role, and she did.”
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donatella versace penelope cruz - How Penelope Cruz Got into Character for Donatella