Overview

• In a new interview, Roberto Calissano says his brother did not die by accident and intentionally sought death using medications.
• Paolo Calissano died on December 29, 2021 at age 54 from intoxication caused by a mix of antidepressants, according to reports cited by Italian media.
• A trial is under way for Matteo Minna, the actor’s court-appointed administrator of support, who is accused of exploiting Calissano and removing €500,000.
• Roberto alleges Minna isolated the actor and betrayed his trust, noting he had introduced Minna to Paolo and that Minna notified him of the death by phone.
• Roberto recounts a long decline after a 2005 cocaine-related case at Paolo’s home derailed his career, describing persistent depression, a shift from cocaine to tranquilizers, and help offered chiefly by TV host Maurizio Costanzo.