Katia Follesa and Valeria Graci, known together as Katia & Valeria, conquered Italian comedy stages and television sets in the early 2000s. Their duo became a cultural phenomenon thanks to Sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and hilarious sketches that resonated with audiences across Italy. From their debut in cabaret workshops to prime-time fame on Zelig and Colorado Cafè, their energetic chemistry and unconventional humor created a lasting legacy in Italian entertainment a legacy that continues to be revisited by fans old and new.
How Katia & Valeria Began
The duo formed in 2001 at Laboratorio Scaldasole in Milan, where Follesa and Graci honed their comedic skills. After years in cabaret and theatrical workshops, they made their television breakthrough in 2003 on Italia 1’s *Bigodini*, followed by *Colorado Cafè*, *Sformat* (Rai 2) and *Comedy Lab* (MTV) in 2004. Their bold, irreverent sketches and playful characters won early praise and helped them gain traction on national platforms. contentReference[oaicite0]
Success on Zelig
The duo’s major breakthrough came with their inclusion in *Zelig Off* (2004) and then *Zelig Circus* and *Zelig* (2005-2011) on Canale 5. They became household names through sketches featuring their iconic characters Katiana and Valeriana, schoolgirls turned aspiring beauty contestants parodying *Uomini e Donne*. Their comedic timing, catchphrases like brava, brava, brava!, and over-the-top classroom shenanigans made them recurring favorites. contentReference[oaicite1]
Memorable Sketches
- Cocktail of suburban schoolgirls messing around in class and playground.
- Beauty pageant spoofs, especially during the *Zelig* finals of Miss Italia.
- Parodies of popular reality and dating shows, with exaggerated rivalries. contentReference[oaicite2]
Other Television Highlights
Beyond *Zelig*, Katia & Valeria appeared in *Scherzi a parte* (2007) as co-hosts, sharing the stage with celebrities like Claudio Amendola and Valeria Marini. They were also part of Italian Christmas comedy films such as *Vacanze di Natale a Cortina* (2011), alongside Christian De Sica and Sabrina Ferilli. Their presence extended to theatrical tours and guest appearances through the late 2000s and early 2010s. contentReference[oaicite3]
The End of the Duo and Solo Paths
In 2012, after more than a decade performing together, the duo announced their split to pursue individual careers. Katia Follesa and Valeria Graci each embarked on separate paths but they remained beloved by fans. The comedic dynamic that defined their early years gave way to new projects in television, theatre, hosting, and more. contentReference[oaicite4]
Katia Follesa’s Solo Career
- Hosted shows including *Buona la prima!* with Ale e Franz.
- Appeared in *Ale e Franz Sketch Show* and led programs like *Junior Bake Off Italia* and *Cake Star*. contentReference[oaicite5]
- Participated in *LOL – Chi ride è fuori*, earning praise and recognition as a standout female figure in TV. contentReference[oaicite6]
Valeria Graci’s Solo Highlights
- Hosted and appeared on shows such as *Paperissima Sprint* and *Striscia la notizia*.
- Appeared on *Made in Sud* and *Quelle brave ragazze…* on Rai 1. contentReference[oaicite7]
- Took part in talk shows like *Io e Te* and *Fake Show*. contentReference[oaicite8]
A Reunion and Ongoing Legacy
Katia & Valeria reunited twice post-split first on *Bring the Noise* (2017) and then on *Michelle Impossible* (2022). Their most significant return, announced in 2024, is a theatrical reunion tour titled *Ma non dovevamo non vederci più?*, running from autumn 2024 through spring 2025. The comeback highlights the enduring affection audiences have for their comedic partnership. contentReference[oaicite9]
Why They Remain Iconic
Audiences still remember Katia & Valeria for the spontaneity, irreverence, and charm of their stage personas. Their sketches captured Italian pop culture at a moment of shifting tastes satirizing dating shows, school stereotypes, and lifestyle quirks with lightning-fast humor. Many fans recall their characters’ schoolroom routines and over-the-top rivalries with real nostalgia more than a decade later. contentReference[oaicite10]
- The dual characters Katiana and Valeriana became punchy pop culture references.
- Catchphrases like brava, brava, brava! embedded in popular memory.
- Their style balanced physical comedy, parody, and strong chemistry.
The Broader Impact on Italian Comedy
Katia & Valeria’s success helped shape a wave of female-driven sketch comedy in Italy. They proved that female duos could headline major comedy productions and audience loyalty extended beyond traditional male-led variety formats. Their influence encouraged networks to greenlight more women-led comedic projects. contentReference[oaicite11]
Katia Follesa and Valeria Graci, as Katia & Valeria, transformed Italian comedy with their bold characters, popular sketches, and fearless style. Their rise from Milan cabaret stages to national television fame defined a golden era of Italian variety shows. Though their duo officially dissolved in 2012, their reunion and continued individual successes testify to their lasting impact. Fans old and new still laugh at their parodies, emulate their catchphrases, and celebrate their place in Italy’s entertainment history. As they tour again, it’s clear that Katia & Valeria remain one of the most beloved comedy duos ever to grace the Italian stage.