Russel Crowe arrived at the SanremoSong Festival Thursday night saying he was proud of his Italianancestry.
The Gladiator star, 59, recently revealed he had a great great grandfather who emigrated from the Adriatic town of AscoliPiceno in Marche to New Zealand.
"I've always had a fascination for Italy," said Crowe, who will play with his band Gentlemen Barbers at the Ariston Theater on the third night of the annual showbiz extravaganza and song contest.
"As an adult I have tried to return to this link that started with Gladiator, until I discovered I had ancestors from Italy on my mother's side.
"That's when it became clear to me that there was a reason behind this strong connection I was feeling: the blood link".
Crowe added that music had been "in my life long before the cinema".
Ascoli said it will make Crowe an honorary citizen.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA