Alessandro Nivola ‘Tried to Talk’ Son Sam Out of Dropping Out of College
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Alessandro Nivola has opened up about his initial reluctance to support his son, Sam Nivola, in pursuing an acting career following his decision to drop out of Columbia University. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Alessandro revealed that he had tried to dissuade Sam from leaving university, but eventually decided to support his son’s dreams.
The revelation came during the premiere of the latest Downton Abbey film in New York City on September 8, where Alessandro shared his journey of coming to terms with Sam’s career aspirations. Despite his initial reservations, Alessandro expressed that the turning point in their relationship came when he realised that Sam’s happiness was paramount. He recalled the moment he told Sam, “I just want you to be happy,” which marked a significant shift in their dynamic.
Sam, the 22-year-old son of Alessandro and actress Emily Mortimer, has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with roles in acclaimed shows like The White Lotus and The Perfect Couple. Alessandro acknowledged the pivotal moment when Sam made it clear that he was committed to pursuing acting, regardless of his parents’ concerns. The proud father shared that since then, he has witnessed Sam’s growth and success in the industry.
Growing up in a household surrounded by actors, Sam had early exposure to the world of show business, which Alessandro believes has been beneficial in shaping his son’s career path. Having spent time on sets and observing his parents in action, Sam was no stranger to the nuances of the industry when he decided to pursue acting himself.
Despite his initial hesitations, Alessandro now takes pride in Sam’s achievements, joking that his son is the “only person on the planet whose success I can delight in.” The father-son duo even entertained the idea of collaborating on a project together, with the possibility of involving Emily Mortimer to make it a family affair.
Looking ahead, Alessandro and his friend, actor Ethan Hawke, have discussed a potential film project that would feature their sons as younger versions of themselves. The actor shared details about the movie concept called “Satan Is Real,” and the creative ways they envision incorporating the younger generation into the storyline.
As Sam continues to carve out his path in the entertainment world, Alessandro remains supportive of his son’s endeavours and looks forward to the prospect of working together on future projects. The bond between father and son has evolved through mutual respect and a shared passion for acting, creating a foundation for potential collaborations in the future.