Stanley Tucci to cover 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy

Stanley Tucci

Stanley Tucci is packing his bags for Italy, and not for a film shoot this time. The Emmy-winning actor will be part of NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, the network announced Monday.

Stanley Tucci revealed the news in a pre-recorded video for NBC’s Today show on Sept. 15. “You know where else we’re going to be rolling very soon? In Italy, at the Milan Cortina Olympics, right here on NBC. So, please join me for prime time in Milan. There’ll be great food, great drink and, of course, incredible competition. I’m looking forward to it. I hope you are, too.”

According to NBC, Stanley Tucci will host travelogue-style segments that spotlight the food, history, and traditions of northern Italy, the region hosting the Games. It’s a natural fit for the actor, whose parents are Italian and whose passion for cooking has fueled bestselling books and the hit series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.

In a statement, Tucci said he couldn’t be more thrilled to combine two of his loves, Italy and storytelling. “It’s been my passion to learn about the people of Italy by traversing the country and savoring its food,” he said. “But this time, I’ll have a guest with me — the world. I’m excited to return to northern Italy as the Olympic Games brings the world to its doorstep.”

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“What foods will the world fall in love with? What favorites will be uncovered? How will Italy transform with the world as its guest? I’m excited to share it all with the American primetime audience in February," the actor added.

NBC executives are banking on Stanley Tucci’s charisma to hook audiences. “America has an affinity for all things Italian,” said Molly Solomon, NBC Olympics executive producer. “With his string of hit shows and best sellers, Stanley’s now the it guy on Italian culture in our country. His mix of cool curiosity and masterful storytelling makes him the perfect guide.”

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Stanley Tucci follows in the footsteps of other celebrity correspondents NBC has tapped for Olympic coverage. In Paris last summer, Snoop Dogg stole headlines with his colorful commentary while Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost covered surfing in Fiji.

NBC’s primetime coverage of the Milan-Cortina Games begins Feb. 6, 2026, with the opening ceremony airing on NBC and Peacock, and runs through Feb. 22.