Francis Ford Coppola, 86, breaks silence after being hospitalized in Italy for secret heart condition

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Renowned American filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, famous for his work on The Godfather series and Apocalypse Now, recently provided an update on his health following his admission to an Italian hospital on Tuesday.

86-year-old movie director sought treatment at Policlinico Tor Vergata, a public hospital in Rome, after the premiere of his film Megalopolis in Calabria.

Last night, I couldn’t sleep, my mind filled with worry as I stared at my phone screen. It was Coppola himself who eased my anxiety on Instagram, sharing that his visit to the hospital was simply a routine appointment with Dr. Andrea Natale – a heart specialist he’s trusted for over three decades and whose expertise I can vouch for.

He posted a smiling photo of himself looking relaxed, along with a message that read: ‘I am well.’

‘I, affectionately known as Da Dada by my kids, am doing well and making use of being in Rome to have an update on my 30-year-old Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) treatment, which happens to be performed by the inventor himself – Dr. Andrea Natale, a renowned Italian physician. I’m feeling great!’

Although it hasn’t been formally verified yet, there have been indications suggesting a potential heart operation linked to a gentle heart rhythm issue, which aligns with Coppola’s reference to modifying his ongoing atrial fibrillation therapy.

Coppola’s Italian summer was intended as a rejuvenation of creativity – exploring potential film settings and rekindling ties with his ancestral heritage.

Known primarily for revolutionizing contemporary filmmaking through his work on The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now – a five-time Oscar laureate – this individual has maintained both personal and artistic connections that run deep in Italy over an extended period.

In the early 1900s, Agostino, Coppola’s grandfather, left Bernalda for a new life elsewhere. Now, Coppola himself holds honorary citizenship in this Lucanian town and frequently vacations there. He’s also actively involved in rejuvenating the area, with aspirations to turn an old structure into a charming hotel.

Coppola, who lost his wife Eleanor last spring, has remained active despite personal tragedy. 

Last July, he graced the Magna Graecia Film Festival in Soverato as an honored guest, receiving a hearty welcome from a throng of enthusiastic young admirers.

Speaking to the crowd, I shared my perspective: “Young folks often express their concerns about the state of the world today. However, let me assure you, there’s no challenge that humanity can’t conquer. It’s time for us to construct an extraordinary tomorrow, united for the betterment of our kids. Tonight, we embark on a journey towards that future.

For many years, Coppola has been a well-known figure in Hollywood. More recently, he decided to take a daring creative risk with Megalopolis, an ambitious $120 million sci-fi movie that he personally funded. This epic film debuted at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

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Coppola, a longtime Hollywood icon, recently made a brave move in financing and creating Megalopolis, a sprawling $120 million sci-fi production. This audacious project premiered at the prestigious 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Initially, the long-awaited personal endeavor drew a variety of responses, including some confusion, from both critics and spectators.

But Coppola isn’t done telling the story. 

The backstage documentary titled “Megadoc,” created by Mike Figgis, will premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival towards the end of August, offering an insightful perspective on one of the most daring ventures in contemporary cinema history.

A titan of cinema, Coppola’s influence spans generations. 

Born in Detroit to a flautist father, he spent most of his childhood in Queens, New York. 

1968’s Finian’s Rainbow marked his initial triumph, yet it was the release of The Godfather in 1974 that significantly transformed his career trajectory.

Ironically, he wasn’t sold on the material at first. 

He found Mario Puzo’s original book to seem rather ‘inexpensive’ or ‘unsophisticated.’ It was also rumored that the studio had different filmmakers in consideration.

Alternatively,

The source novel by Mario Puzo left him feeling as if it lacked quality and substance, and it appeared that other directors were on the studio’s list of potential candidates.

‘I was always on the verge of getting fired,’ Coppola once admitted. 

However, the movie, boasting exceptional, career-shaping acts by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro, went on to be among the most impactful and esteemed films in film history.

Even during health concerns and debates about the art itself, Coppola’s creative vision and distinctive style continue to show a strong and unyielding spirit.

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2025-08-06 18:52