Who is Giovanni Capaldi? How 'Criminal Record' star Peter Capaldi's love-struck granddad shot himself after being rejected
LONDON, ENGLAND: Scottish actor Peter Capaldi was born in Glasgow, Scotland, to Nancy and Gerald John Capaldi. Despite limited public knowledge about the actor's family, researchers at the British Newspaper Archive once unearthed a startling anecdote involving Peter Capaldi's grandfather, Giovanni Capaldi, who used to sell ice cream for a living.
The story titled "Love Tragedy at Glasgow" talked about Giovanni's heartbreak by his landlady's daughter Agnes Dougan. Unable to bear the pain of rejection, he reportedly shot himself in the chest.
Irish Independent quoted the report from the Dundee Courier that said before turning a gun on himself, "Capaldi solemnly informed the mother that if her daughter could live without him, he could not live without the daughter."
He was rushed to the hospital. However, Giovanni survived and went on to marry Agnes after a few weeks.
The Irish Independent report mentions that the couple had five children, including Peter Capaldi's father, Gerald.
Who is Peter Capaldi's wife Elaine Collins?
'Doctor Who' fame Peter Capaldi reportedly met Elaine Collins in 1983 in a touring production for the Paines Plough Theatre Company. Collins works as an actor and television producer.
After a few years of courtship, they tied the knot in 1991. The couple has a daughter named Cecily Capaldi.
Peter Capaldi and his family live a rather private life in London.
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A look at Peter Capaldi's career before 'Doctor Who'
Capaldi bagged his first leading role on Television in the BBC drama series 'Mr Wakefield's Crusade' (1992) followed by appearances in ITV's 'Prime Suspect', 'The Vicar of Dibley' and 'Neverwhere'.
In 2008, he appeared as King Charles I in the Channel 4 series 'The Devil's Whore'. His appearance as Dr Pete in the 2011 crime drama TV series 'The Field of Blood' earned him a BAFTA Scotland nomination.
Before gaining fame as 'Doctor Who', Capaldi was known for playing Malcolm Tucker in the BBC sitcom 'The Thick of It' (2005-2012). This role gained him several awards including the 2010 BAFTA Television Award for Male Performance in a Comedy Role and the 2010 and 2012 British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actor.
Peter Capaldi once opened up about his 'Doctor Who' stint
In 2013, Peter Capaldi was announced as the Twelfth Doctor in the BBC sci-fi series 'Doctor Who'. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he revealed that in 1995, he was invited to audition for the role of the Eighth Doctor but he skipped it.
He said, "I didn't go. I loved the show so much, and I didn't think I would get it, and I didn't want to just be part of a big cull of actors."
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Capaldi's first appearance as the Doctor was in 'The Day of the Doctor' (2013) followed by 'The Time of the Doctor', released in the same year.
In 2016, he reprised his role as the Twelfth Doctor in the 'Doctor Who' spin-off show titled 'Class'. After his last appearance as the Doctor in the 2017 Christmas special, 'Twice Upon a Time', he was succeeded by Jodie Whittaker.
What's next for Peter Capaldi?
Capaldi will be next seen in the British crime thriller series 'Criminal Record'. He takes on the intense role of Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty and deals with an old murder case after an anonymous call.
Also starring Cush Jumbo, the series is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on January 10, 2024.