In their search for love, the Friends gang went through plenty of rocky romances — from Chandler’s never-ending cycle with Janice to Monica’s bittersweet fling with Richard. But few short-lived relationships left as strong (and divisive) an impression as Rachel’s steamy yet disastrous affair with Paolo, the “weenie from Turinie.”
Played by Italian actor Cosimo Fusco, Paolo was meant to be charming, exotic, and just a little too confident — and he nailed it. Fast forward more than 30 years, and Fusco has aged like fine wine. Unlike his sleazy Friends alter ego, the actor now exudes elegance, charisma, and genuine charm.
The Sleazy Heartbreaker Who Came Between Ross & Rachel
Friends introduced plenty of memorable side characters, but few caused as much chaos as Paolo, Rachel’s smooth-talking Italian boyfriend in season 1.
Paolo first appeared in “The One with the Blackout” (Season 1, Episode 7), when Rachel met him while searching for a lost cat in her apartment building. Though he barely spoke English, his charm was undeniable — and Rachel quickly fell under his spell. Unfortunately for Ross, Paolo showed up right as he was finally ready to confess his feelings for her.
But it didn’t take long for Paolo’s true colors to show. In “The One with the Dozen Lasagnas” (Episode 12), he crossed a serious line during a massage with Phoebe, prompting her to tell Rachel — who immediately dumped him.
📺 Paolo’s Friends Appearances:
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S1E7: The One with the Blackout
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S1E11: The One with Mrs. Bing
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S1E12: The One with the Dozen Lasagnas
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S2E1: The One with Ross’s New Girlfriend
While Friends played his sleaziness for laughs, Paolo’s behavior was ultimately unforgivable — making him one of the show’s most despised short-term boyfriends. Once he revealed who he really was, those good looks didn’t matter anymore. 👋
We Were Shocked to Realize How Good-Looking Cosimo Fusco Actually Is
🍷 Years Later, He’s Truly “Aged Like Fine Wine”
Over two decades after Friends, the man behind Rachel’s infamously sleazy boyfriend Paolo has fans doing a double take.
In a recent interview with TODAY, Cosimo Fusco — now sporting a chic, shorter haircut and effortlessly cool salt-and-pepper hair — looked more handsome than ever. Gone is Paolo’s wild, long-haired look; in his place stands a sophisticated, suave Italian gentleman.
Fusco spoke warmly about his time on Friends and had nothing but praise for Jennifer Aniston, recalling,
“She was a lovely, adorable young woman. Very talented actress, and that was a lot of fun.”
Fans in the YouTube comments couldn’t get enough of his transformation. One wrote, “He is still an exceptionally handsome man. There’s such sophistication and elegance about his demeanor.” Another joked, “Didn’t think he was attractive on the show — now though…”
From sleazy sitcom fling to silver-fox heartthrob, Cosimo Fusco has truly aged like fine Italian wine — smooth, refined, and utterly
What Cosimo Fusco Is Doing Now
From “That Guy from Friends” to a Respected International Actor
While most American fans remember Cosimo Fusco as Rachel’s sleazy Italian boyfriend, Paolo, his acting career has been anything but one-note. In fact, Fusco has built an impressive résumé across Italian and international film and television. ✨
Throughout the 2000s, he became a familiar face on Italian screens, starring in TV dramas like Valeria Medico Legale, Utta Danella, and the acclaimed crime series Good and Evil. He also appeared in numerous Italian films, TV movies, and mini-series that showcased his range beyond his early Friends role.
International audiences might also recognize him from several major Hollywood titles. Fusco appeared as the Adjacent Mechanic in Gone in 60 Seconds, Father Simeon in Angels & Demons, and Signor Mazzini in The Man Who Invented Christmas. His TV credits include memorable guest spots in Alias, Rome, The Mentalist, and, most recently, as a Cardinal in Vikings: Valhalla.
Though he’ll always be remembered as Rachel’s short-lived flame, Fusco’s long and varied career proves there’s much more to him than just being really, really, ridiculously good-looking. 😉
irresistible.
