Born and raised in Italy, Ornella Fado started her entertainment career at 6.
At 17, she joined the dance company of the Étoile of Teatro dell’Opera of Rome, Diana Ferrara.
Her early success paved the way for a career filled with diverse roles, from soloist to soubrette, and actress in numerous RAI TV programs and theatre productions, including Teatro Sistina in Rome, where she shared the stage with renowned stars like Massimo Ranieri and Johnny Dorelli. This versatility and adaptability have been the hallmark of her career.
In addition to her career in performance, Ornella has also worked as a model for print and commercial ads, a movie actress, and a TV presenter in Italy. Since 1992, Ornella Fado has happily been based in New York, where she currently lives.
She is the founder and CEO of OK Productions LLC, a successful media production company specializing in creating Italian-themed high-quality TV shows. Ornella has been the host, creator, and producer of the multi-awarded TV show Brindiamo!, broadcast on NYC-TV, Channel 25, since October 2005. The show has garnered a large following, and selected series are available to stream on popular platforms such as Amazon Prime, Tubi TV, XUMO TV, and Food TV.
Under Ornella’s leadership, OK Productions LLC has expanded its portfolio to include various editions of Brindiamo! such as ‘Brindiamo! on the Sea, ‘ ‘Brindiamo! International Cuisine, and ‘Brindiamo! In My Kitchen.
She is also the creator of the Brindiamo! Restaurant Week and the Brindiamo! Guide.
This diversification has allowed the company to cater to a broader audience and stay relevant in the ever-evolving media landscape.
ORNELLA FADOIn 2020, OK Productions LLC launched “Brindiamo! Channel, a FAST channel available on Samsung TV Plus, Rakuten, and LG Channels in Italy.
This channel features over 100 episodes of “Brindiamo!” shows and other engaging episodes and documentaries produced by Italians worldwide.
Ornella Fado
Whenever you think of quitting, remember why you started.
~ Anonymous
About Ornella Fado
Ornella Fado is the only woman to own such a channel among over 100 channels in Italy.
In 2021, Ornella Fado took a significant step toward connecting Italians by co-founding the
Genialitaly Association is a nonprofit organization that fosters connections among Italians in America and Italy. She also serves as the creative and editorial director of Genialitaly Magazine, a vibrant publication that brings together the diverse voices of the Italian community.
Ornella Fado is a member of the COM.IT.ES. NY (Committee of Italians Abroad, the official body of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the creator and coordinator of the upcoming documentary Colori, Sapori e Memorie, funded by MAECI. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation).
Ornella’s creative journey continues with exciting upcoming projects. She is working on a book that offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at her television show Brindiamo!, a bilingual children’s book dedicated to her daughter, and a new collaboration with the iconic Italian Mouse TOPO GIGIO.
These projects promise to be a delightful addition to her already impressive work.
To complement her professional endeavors and entrepreneurial spirit, Ornella is the proud mother of Carolina. This year, she celebrates 41 years in the show business industry, a testament to her dedication and passion for her work, balanced with her loving mother and companion role to her life partner, Dr. Mo. Ornella has a degree in early childhood education,
“Theory and Solfeggio” from the Conservatory Stanislao Giacomantonio where she studied pianoforte, and Ballet from CID. She is fluent in Italian and English, and proficient in Spanish.
Ornella embraces life and thrives on its challenges.