Romance Novel Icon Fabio Makes Rare Public Appearance in Los Angeles
The legendary Italian model Fabio Lanzoni, known universally by his mononym Fabio, has been spotted in public for the first time in approximately eighteen months. The sixty-six-year-old heartthrob, whose chiselled features graced over thirteen hundred romance novel covers during the late 1980s and early 1990s, was seen undertaking a grocery run at the upscale Bristol Farms store in Los Angeles.
Timeless Style and a Shopping Cart Mishap
During this rare outing, Fabio appeared as dashing as ever, effortlessly embodying the iconic image that made him a household name. He sported a distinctive purple long-sleeved shirt, worn with several buttons undone to reveal his famously burly chest. This was paired with slim-fitting grey jeans and a set of black suede boots as he navigated the aisles with a shopping cart.
His signature asset, a cascade of long, luxurious blonde hair, flowed down his neck, completing the unmistakable look. However, the outing was not without a minor faux pas; the star was observed leaving his shopping cart on a pavement curb rather than returning it to the designated cart corral.
From Milan Gym to Global Fame
Fabio's extraordinary career began with what he describes as sheer serendipity. Born in Milan, Italy, he was discovered at just fourteen years old by renowned European photographer Oliviero Toscani while working out at a local gym. "I'd be the biggest hypocrite if I said I really worked very hard for my career, because it was given to me on a silver platter," he once told The Guardian, reflecting on his instant launch into high-fashion modelling for brands like Versace and Gap.
His philosophy for creating those iconic, smouldering romance novel covers was disarmingly simple. "When shooting those covers, it’s simple: you’re hugging a beautiful girl and you think about making love to her," he explained. "You play a character, otherwise it would be just another empty picture."
A Diverse Career Beyond the Covers
While the romance novel industry cemented his fame, Fabio's career expanded significantly into television and film. He made memorable appearances on shows like Roseanne and The Bold and The Beautiful, and played himself in cult comedies including Spy Hard and Zoolander. More recently, he took on the role of The Pope in the 2017 film Sharknado 5: Global Swarming.
His recognisable face and persona also made him a sought-after spokesman for major consumer brands. He became a familiar figure in advertising campaigns for I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! and Old Spice, further embedding himself in popular culture.
The Infamous Goose Incident and a New Perspective
One of Fabio's most widely publicised moments was an unfortunate accident that occurred on March 31st, 1999. While riding the Apollo's Chariot rollercoaster at Busch Gardens in Virginia, he was struck in the face by a twelve-pound migrating goose. The bizarre incident, which left him bloodied, was so improbable that many initially believed it to be an April Fool's Day prank.
Reflecting on the event's twenty-fifth anniversary in March 2024, Fabio told People magazine that the experience was "not funny" but a profound wake-up call. "I tell you, it was a miracle... I could have died. I could have lost my vision," he said. "And because of that day, I began living life to its fullest." The star, who became a U.S. citizen in 2016, now regards the incident as a pivotal moment that reshaped his outlook.
This recent sighting in Los Angeles serves as a reminder of Fabio's enduring presence in the celebrity landscape, from his accidental discovery in a Milan gym to his status as a timeless icon of romance and popular culture.
