Colin Firth Just Became An Italian Citizen

colin firth livia firth

by Rebecca Cope |
Published on

Italy calls to mind many of the finer things in life: pizza, pasta, burrata, gelato, La Dolce Vita, and now... Colin Firth.

The thoroughly British actor, who found fame playing Jane Austen's moody hero Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and is currently Kingsman: The Golden Circle, has become an Italian citizen. He now holds a dual passport for both Italy and the UK.

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The Italian interior ministry confirmed the news, saying: 'The very famous actor, who won an Oscar for the film The King's Speech, is married to a citizen from our country and has often declared his love for our land.'

The move is hardly surprising, considering that his wife of 20 years Livia is Italian and that two of his children were born in Rome and also hold dual citizenship.

Speaking of the decision, he said it was inspired by Brexit, and new rules that might come in surrounding European nationals: 'We never really thought much about our different passports. But now, with some of the uncertainty around, we thought it sensible that we should all get the same.'

'I will always be extremely British (you only have to look at or listen to me),' he added. 'Britain is our home and we love it here.'

He also confirmed that he would remained based and working in the UK, despite the news.

'Anyone will tell you when you marry an Italian you don't just marry one person; you marry a family and perhaps an entire country,' he joked. 'Like almost everybody I have a passionate love of Italy and joining my wife and kids in being dual citizens will be a huge privilege.'

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