Francesco Santoro is renowned for being the father of the famous Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro. As his son became globally acclaimed, Francesco’s life remained quiet. Francesco is an Italian engineer with roots set deep in his native land. His career brought him to Brazil, where he established a new family and a new life.
Quick Facts About Francesco Santoro
| Full Name | Francesco Santoro |
| Birthdate | 1945 |
| Age | 80 years and 3 months old |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Birthplace | Paola, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| Education | N/A |
| Husband/Wife | Maria José Junqueira dos Reis |
| Parents | Not Known |
| Grandchildren | Nina Fronckowiak Santoro, Cora Santoro, Fred and Laura |
| Children | Rodrigo Santoro (Son), Flávia Junqueira dos Reis Santoro (Daughter) |
| Siblings | Not Known |
| Residence | Brazil |
| Ethnicity | Italian |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Background
Francesco Santoro was born in Paola, a town in the province of Cosenza, Calabria, Italy. Calabria is rich in history and scenery. He studied engineering as a child and went on to establish a successful career in the field.
Moving to Brazil
Francesco at some point relocated to Brazil. The reasons for his relocation are not well known. Nonetheless, he settled in Brazil when he met Maria José Junqueira dos Reis. They fell in love and married. Maria José, who is usually referred to as Yaya by her family and friends, is an artist with a specialization in bespoke art. She creates bespoke designs for restaurant table underplates.
Family Life
Francesco and Maria José had two children, both in Petrópolis, Brazil. Their son, Rodrigo Santoro, was born on August 22, 1975. He is now one of Brazil’s best-known actors. Their daughter, Flávia Junqueira dos Reis Santoro, was an architect. She has two children and a husband and two children named Fred and Laura. She also owns a golden retriever, named Chico.
Relationship with Rodrigo Santoro
Francesco was a major figure in Rodrigo’s life. Although not much is made public about their family relationship, it is evident that family values mattered in their household. Rodrigo frequently discusses his heritage and the powerful impact of his upbringing. Being born of an Italian father and a Brazilian mother provided him with a distinctive cultural heritage.
READ ALSO: Rodrigo Santoro Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Francesco’s Italian Heritage
Francesco’s Italian roots have remained a vital part of who he is. Italy is renowned for family values, and Francesco would have taken these along with him to Brazil. His presence saw to it that the strong family ties between Rodrigo and his sister were forged.
Grandchildren
Francesco is now a grandfather to two of Rodrigo’s daughters. Rodrigo and his wife, Mel Fronckowiak, welcomed their first child, Nina Fronckowiak Santoro, on May 22, 2017. In 2024, they had their second daughter, Cora Santoro. Although Francesco keeps a low profile, he is undoubtedly an important figure in his grandchildren’s lives.
Private Life
In contrast to his son, Francesco keeps a low profile. He never participated in public gatherings or television and radio interviews. His concentration has been on his profession and his family. Even though he is the father of a celebrity, he has kept his life quiet and serene.
