Valentina Tomada, Beloved Palma Rizzo of “Il Paradiso delle Signore,” Dies at 55
Rome, Italy – April 10, 2025, 2:51 AM PDT
The Italian television community and fans of Il Paradiso delle Signore are reeling from the loss of Valentina Tomada, the talented actress who brought the character Palma Rizzo to life. Tomada passed away on April 9, 2025, at the age of 55, succumbing to a prolonged illness she had battled with characteristic strength and wit. Her death marks the third devastating loss for the popular RAI 1 soap opera in recent weeks, following the passing of actors Pietro Genuardi and Andrea Savorelli.
Emanuela Grimalda, a fellow actress and friend, broke the news on Instagram late Wednesday, sharing a heartfelt tribute: “Non è possibile Valentina! Tutto quello che avremmo potuto e non sarà…” (Translation: “It’s not possible Valentina! All that we could have done and won’t be…”). The post, accompanied by a photo of Tomada, unleashed a flood of grief from fans and colleagues, who mourned the loss of a vibrant talent known for her versatility and warmth.
Born in Rome on February 12, 1970, Tomada carved a prolific career across Italian television, theater, and film. She was a familiar face in beloved series like Don Matteo, Centovetrine, Provaci ancora Prof, Vivere, and Un Passo dal Cielo, showcasing her range in roles both dramatic and endearing. In Il Paradiso delle Signore, she portrayed Palma Rizzo, a resilient Sicilian mother who relocated to Milan in the 1960s to secure a better future for her son, Francesco. Introduced in Season 7, Palma’s grit and maternal devotion—paired with her history as a teacher and principal—resonated deeply with viewers, cementing Tomada’s place in the show’s legacy.
Tomada’s illness, though not officially detailed, was something she faced publicly with candor. On March 21, 2025, she posted a video on Instagram, her first update in months, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m back… a bit battered, a bit worn, worried, but still me.” With her trademark humor, she added in the caption, “Ah, don’t call me a fighting lioness because I’ll get really pissed off.” The post reflected her refusal to be defined by her struggle, a sentiment that endeared her further to fans.
Beyond acting, Tomada was a creative force— a writer, director, and founder of the Fabriano Film Fest, which she helmed for six years. She leaves behind her husband, Eugenio, whom she playfully described as “the only one who can handle my chaos,” their daughter, Eva—“the best thing I’ve ever done”—and their dog, Lola. Her love for languages (fluent in English, French, and Spanish) and her passion for storytelling shone through in every facet of her life.
The triple tragedy haunting Il Paradiso delle Signore—Genuardi’s death on March 14 from a blood disease, Savorelli’s passing a month ago (announced April 8), and now Tomada’s—has left the cast and crew in a state of collective mourning. Fans on X have echoed this sorrow, with posts calling her “a rare, elegant presence” and lamenting, “The Paradise loses another light.” As the soap nears its summer hiatus, Tomada’s absence will undoubtedly cast a shadow over its return, her legacy enduring in the hearts of those she touched on and off the screen.