Pavarotti in private: a collection of rare photos of the opera star

22 May 2019, 17:04 | Updated: 22 May 2019, 17:06

We’ve delved deep into the archives and found the most beautiful photos of Luciano Pavarotti, showing his larger-than-life personality on and off stage.

You might think you’ve seen all there is to see about Pavarotti, but the opera star led a very private life behind the stage curtain.

As we anticipate the release of the new film about his life, we have found a collection of photos that give an insight into Luciano the family man, friend, actor and horse whisperer – as well as Pavarotti, global superstar.

1. Pavarotti backstage in costume with Plácido Domingo

   

2. Pavarotti at the 53rd Annual Academy Awards

   

3. Pavarotti meets Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales

   

   Even Pavarotti got star-struck when it came to meeting royalty...

4. Pavarotti and Princess Diana

   

5. A young Pavarotti making us swoon

   

6. Pavarotti celebrating post-performance at Carnegie Hall

   

   And he's shooting that Italian charm straight down the lens...

7. Pavarotti the family man

   

8. Pavarotti and Itzhak Perlman

   

   Virtuoso violinist Itzhak Perlman joins Pavarotti after a performance at Carnegie Hall. Can we be a part of this hug please?

9. Pavarotti and Leonard Bernstein, posing for a photo together

   

   Two legends in one room.

10. We're hoping Pavarotti is still in character here...

    

11. Who else can pull off an above-the-glasses look?

    

12. Standing outside the Met opera in New York

    

    He sang an astonishing 378 performances with the company during his career.

13. A young Pavarotti and friends

    

14. In costume for a performance of Verdi’s ‘Aida’

    

    And making guy-liner look good...

15. Playing opera star Giorgio Fini in the 1982 film ‘Yes, Giorgio’

    

    In this scene, Pavarotti serenades a nun in the back of a convertible. As you do.

16. Petting a horse

    

17. Smiling for the cameras

    

18. What a legend.

    

    Pavarotti, directed by Ron Howard, will be released in UK cinemas on 15 July 2019.