Did you know that the famous Hollywood sign originally read “HOLLYWOODLAND”? It was erected in 1923 as a giant billboard for a real estate development. Fast forward a century, and while the sign lost a few letters, Hollywood gained a star who seems determined to collect every letter of the alphabet in his list of talents.
Enter Enzo Zelocchi: actor, director, producer, entrepreneur, and now, YouTube sensation. If Hollywood were a game of Scrabble, Zelocchi would be that rare triple word score tile—variable, valuable, and game-changing.
Born under the warm Italian sun in Rimini to a dancer mother and a criminal attorney father, Zelocchi’s diverse background reads like a United Nations roll call. Italian, British, Spanish, French, Asian, and Jewish heritage? Check, check, and check. This multicultural upbringing, split between the U.S. and Europe, with family sprinkled across England, Italy and France, has clearly given him a global perspective that shines through in his work. In true Hollywood fashion, Zelocchi turned his multicultural cocktail into a secret weapon, appealing to audiences from all walks of life.
From Balance Sheets to Blockbusters
Born Enzo Ashford Zelocchi on October 10 in Rimini, Italy, this 6’1″ star (known to friends as “EZ”) began his journey far from the glitz of Hollywood. He first pursued higher education in Italy, graduating with a degree in accounting from a private international school in Rome. But the world of numbers couldn’t contain his creative spirit for long.
Zelocchi soon relocated to Milan, where he studied marketing, media strategy, and public relations at the private university IULM. Simultaneously, he honed his acting skills at the Milan Theater Center, studying the Stanislavski method. It was during this time that Enzo began a successful modeling career, which quickly led to opportunities in television advertising.
His first big break came with the role of Ivan in the hit Italian TV show “Un Ciclone in Familia” (Family Storm) in 2005, aired on the popular Italian Channel 5. This success prompted a move to New York, where he studied under the renowned Lee Strasberg-inspired acting coach Susan Batson.
A Star for All Seasons
Zelocchi’s influence spans both traditional and social media. He’s amassed over 25 million Instagram followers and surpassed 140,000 YouTube subscribers, earning the platform’s Silver Creator Award. His film accolades are equally impressive, with over 290 awards from festivals worldwide.
From “My Little Princess” (2010) to “Angels Apocalypse” (2015), Zelocchi has donned every hat in the filmmaker’s wardrobe. He’s tackled serious subjects with “No War” (2022), set in war-torn Ukraine and co-starring Ukrainian refugee child actress Emilia Nimak.
His versatility extends beyond entertainment into healthcare as the founder and CEO of A-Medicare, a next-generation digital platform aiming to democratize healthcare through technological advancements.
Enzo Zelocchi
Lights, Camera, Action… Producer?
Zelocchi’s producing career began under the mentorship of Crossroads Entertainment CEO TJ Mancini. Together, they collaborated on several projects, including “Find Me Guilty” (2006) starring Vin Diesel and directed by Academy Award-winning director Sidney Lumet.
Zelocchi and Diesel also served as Executive Producers on “Life Is a Dream” (2014) and “A War Hero 3.0” (2023).
His latest role is Executive Producer for “Freud’s Last Session,” starring Sir Anthony Hopkins. This high-profile project, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, was able to generate Oscar buzz. The film, directed by Matt Brown, imagines a fascinating encounter between Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis, promising a thought-provoking cinematic experience.
The project boasts an impressive cast, including Matthew Goode and Jody Balfour of “The Crown” fame, along with Orla Brady, Liv Lisa Freis, and Stephen Campbell Moore. Behind the camera, Zelocchi is joined by production designer Luciana Arrighi and cinematographer Ben Smithard, who worked with Hopkins on “The Father.”
The Zelocchi Zone
In a town where stars rise and fall faster than a Hollywood diet fad, Enzo Zelocchi is proving he’s got staying power. He’s not just climbing the ladder of success; he’s building his own rocket ship.
So, here’s to you, Enzo Zelocchi—actor, director, producer, social media maven, healthcare innovator, and now, proud owner of a shiny new YouTube award. May your star continue to rise, your awards cabinet continue to expand, and your zest for entertainment never fizzle.
Lights, camera, Zelocchi!
Follow Enzo on Instagram at @enzozelocchi.
