Fabio Lanzoni, known simply as Fabio, is an Italian fashion model, actor, author, and spokesperson who has a net worth of $10 million. Fabio first became famous thanks to his prolific modeling career. He has subsequently also written several books and acted in television commercials, as well as daytime soap operas and television sitcoms.
Early Life: Roots in Milan
Fabio was born Fabio Lanzoni on March 15, 1959, in Milan, Italy. He is the son of Flora Carnicelli Lanzoni and Sauro Lanzoni, a mechanical engineer and owner of a conveyor belt company. Fabio has an older brother, Walter, and a younger sister, Cristina, who tragically passed away from ovarian cancer in 2013. Fabio had a tumultuous childhood, often getting into trouble. However, a teenage friend’s overdose led him to abstain from illegal substances and alcohol for life.
Modeling Career: A Rise to Fame
Fabio’s modeling career began when a photographer discovered him while he was working out. He started as a model and film star in Italy before moving to New York City to join the Ford Agency. He quickly became a fashion and catalog model, featuring in print ads for Gap and TV spots for Nintendo. One of his early notable appearances was as the hero Kuros on the cover of the 1989 video game “Ironsword: Wizards and Warriors II” for NES.
Fabio has graced the cover of more than 400 romance novels, mainly in the 1980s and 1990s. An industry party encounter with a publishing company executive revealed a secret: putting Fabio on a book cover significantly boosted sales. His chiseled features and flowing locks became synonymous with romance and fantasy.
TV Career: From Soap Operas to Sitcoms
Fabio’s television career is equally impressive. He starred in the syndicated TV series “Acapulco H.E.A.T” as Claudio. During this period, he was also featured in calendars and led a fragrance campaign for Mediterraneum by Versace. Fabio became widely recognized for his role in commercials for “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!” He also appeared on “The Bold and the Beautiful” multiple times, playing the close friend of the character Sally Spectra. He and the late Darlene Conley, who played Sally, were close friends in real life.
Fabio’s TV appearances extended to sitcoms like “Step by Step” in the episode “Absolutely Fabio” and Nickelodeon series “Ned’s Declassified” and “Big Time Rush.” In 2005, he hosted the American reality TV series “Mr. Romance,” where contestants competed for the title of “Mr. Romance” and a chance to appear as a romance novel cover model.
Other Ventures: Writing and Endorsements
In addition to modeling and acting, Fabio ventured into writing. In 1994, he released an album titled “Fabio After Dark.” Co-writing with Eugena Riley, he collaborated with a ghostwriter on a series of historical romance novels, including “Pirate,” “Rogue,” “Comanche,” “Viking,” and “Champion.” He also worked with Wendy Corsi Staub on three other books: “Dangerous,” “Wild,” and “Mysterious.”
Fabio’s endorsements extended beyond “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!” He became the spokesperson for Geek Squad, Oral-B’s Sensitive Advantage Toothbrush, and Nationwide Insurance. His Nationwide commercial aired during the Super Bowl, becoming the most-viewed ad of the game. Fabio also endorsed Wickes Furniture, Ames Hardware, Old Spice, and the American Cancer Society.
In a notable marketing campaign in July 2006, Old Spice launched a YouTube campaign in which Fabio challenged Isaiah Mustafa to replace him as the New Old Spice Guy. Fabio later worked as a spokesman for the controversial cancer treatment center Burzynski Clinic, where his sister received treatment.
Personal Life: Love and Challenges
Despite his fame, Fabio has never been married. He admitted to only having one significant love in his life, a woman named Jennifer, whom he dated for six years. Fabio’s personal life has had its share of dramatic moments. On March 30, 1999, he made headlines when he was struck in the face by a goose while riding Apollo’s Chariot roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. The bird died on impact, and Fabio was left with a bloodied face and a cut on his nose.
Fabio became a U.S. citizen in 2016 and resides in Los Angeles. In 2017, he was the victim of a burglary at his West Valley home, where thieves stole over $200,000 in items, including a safe with multiple watches and a collection of gold coins.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Versatility
Fabio Lanzoni’s career spans modeling, acting, writing, and endorsements, making him a multifaceted personality in the entertainment industry. With a net worth of $10 million, Fabio’s legacy is built on his distinctive presence and versatility. From romance novel covers to television screens, Fabio’s impact remains significant. His life story reflects not only his professional achievements but also his resilience and adaptability in the face of personal and professional challenges.