Stanley Tucci, the acclaimed actor, has spoken about the 21-year age gap between himself and his wife, Felicity Blunt, highlighting both its challenges and beauty. In a recent interview with The Times of London on September 27, Tucci, 64, expressed that although he isn’t troubled by being older than Felicity, 44, he feels sadness over not being able to watch her age or care for her in her later years. He noted,
“I am sad that I won’t see her get old and that I won’t be able to look after her if she needs looking after,”
showing his emotional perspective on aging together. He added,
“I think there’s something really beautiful about people aging together. And unless there’s some miracle, that can’t happen.”
How They Met and Built Their Family
The couple first crossed paths at the 2006 premiere of The Devil Wears Prada, a film in which Stanley Tucci acted alongside Felicity’s sister, Emily Blunt. Their paths converged again four years later at Emily’s 2010 wedding to actor John Krasinski, where they reconnected. Stanley was previously married to Kate Tucci, who died in 2009 after a battle with breast cancer. Stanley and Felicity married in 2012 and have two children together: Matteo, born in 2015, and Emilia, born in 2018. Stanley also has three older children from his previous marriage with Kate.
Facing Personal Health Battles Amid Family Growth
During Felicity’s pregnancy with their daughter Emilia, Stanley Tucci was confronted with a throat cancer diagnosis. The actor detailed the difficulty of undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments while supporting his family through major life changes. He shared,
“It was awful to go through it after my wife had died and friends had died, but I am happier than I was before.”
He recognized the strain his illness placed on Felicity and their children, stating,
“The only thing I’m not happy about is how hard it was for Felicity, who was giving birth while I was getting treatment. And, of course, it was hard for the kids.”
Since then, Stanley has been in remission for several years, embracing a clearer mindset and stronger sense of self.
Changes in Perspective and Health Habits Post-Recovery
Stanley described an enhanced clarity and renewed outlook on life following his recovery. He told The Times,
“I’m more clear-headed than I was before. I have a stronger sense of self.”
Aware of time’s passage, he reflected,
“In 15 years I’ll be 80 years old and there’s a lot of stuff that I want to do before then. My family [has lived] a long time, and I’m hoping to live a long time.”
He acknowledged the fears tied to aging, especially as a parent, noting,
“It’s a scary thing, especially when you have kids you want to be around for, when you feel your body changing and you can’t do things that you used to be able to do.”
Embracing Fitness and Lifestyle Changes
Since overcoming cancer, Stanley Tucci has incorporated frequent exercise into his routine, committing to working out five or six times weekly. He playfully remarked about a Pilates class,
“I really can’t go more than 24 hours without it,”
highlighting his dedication to staying active. He also emphasized the role exercise plays in improving quality of life and maintaining the ability to enjoy pleasures such as good food and wine, sharing,
“I’m in much better shape than I was before I got sick. Exercise just improves everything. It makes it possible to do other things, including eating and drinking wine.”
Passion for Food and Its Role in His Life
Tucci’s love for food has long been a central theme both personally and professionally, especially showcased through his travel shows Searching for Italy and Tucci in Italy. Reflecting on the importance of food in his upbringing, he told the newspaper,
“The great food that I grew up with and the conviviality, the gatherings, all that sort of stuff — I’m a believer in the things that you love, the things that you find really interesting and that you’re passionate about.”
He continued,
“I’m a believer in exploring those things and bringing them to other people in new forms. Nobody in my family was a restaurateur or a chef or anything like that, but food was first and foremost.”
Hope and Uncertainties Surrounding Aging and Family
Throughout the interview, Tucci’s reflections carry a tone blending hope with uncertainty as he contemplates the future with Felicity and his children. His openness about the age gap and health challenges reveals his desire to remain present for his family despite the realities of time. By embracing healthier habits and focusing on his passions, Stanley Tucci aims to make the most of the years ahead while honoring the deep connections he cherishes.
