80-Year-Old Paparazzo: A Life Chasing Stars

For 65 years, Rino Barillari, Rome's octogenarian 'king of paparazzi,' has dedicated his life to capturing candid celebrity moments. His relentless pursuit has taken him through the city's backstreets, stakeouts, and even encounters with legal troubles, including a recent dispute with actor Gérard Depardieu. Barillari's career began in the 'Hollywood on the Tiber' era, evolving through iconic films and the very coining of the term 'paparazzo.'

This demanding profession has come with significant physical risks, accumulating over 160 emergency room visits, broken ribs, and numerous damaged cameras. Barillari recounts daring acts, like hiding film in his underwear to evade confiscation. Despite these dangers and controversies, he maintains a deep-seated pride in his craft, viewing it as a unique and essential, albeit challenging, pursuit. He has even achieved a level of celebrity himself, with his work exhibited in national museums.

Now, Barillari faces new challenges as digital technology and personal privacy tools like anti-paparazzi lasers emerge. He fears for the future of his profession, which he believes has been significantly impacted by widespread camera-equipped cell phones. Yet, he continues his nightly rounds, driven by a lifelong passion and a commitment to capturing exclusive, unfiltered moments, living what he describes as 'a billionaire's life without a dime.'