Lory Del Santo: Italian Actress and Eric Clapton’s Former Partner

Lory Del Santo is an Italian actress, model, director, and television personality who’s been a fixture in Italy’s entertainment world for over four decades. Born Loredana Del Santo in Verona in 1958, she rose to prominence through Italian cinema and television during the 1980s and has remained a recognizable figure in the country’s pop culture ever since.

Beyond her professional career, Del Santo is widely known internationally for her past relationship with legendary British guitarist Eric Clapton. Their time together during the late 1980s brought her into the global spotlight, and the devastating loss of their young son, Conor, in 1991 became one of the most heartbreaking stories in modern celebrity history. Despite enduring unimaginable grief — including the later loss of another son — Lory Del Santo has continued to work in Italian entertainment with remarkable resilience. Here’s a closer look at her life, career, and the events that have shaped her story.

Early Life and Background

Loredana Del Santo was born on September 28, 1958, in Verona, the historic city in northern Italy famous for its Roman amphitheater and its connection to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Growing up in Verona, she developed an early interest in performance and the arts. Italy in the 1960s and 1970s was experiencing significant cultural shifts, and the country’s booming film and television industries offered new opportunities for young women with ambition and charisma.

Del Santo’s striking appearance — she stands 5’9″ (175 cm) — and natural screen presence drew attention early on. As a young woman, she began pursuing modeling work, which served as a stepping stone into acting. By the late 1970s, she’d started making her way into the Italian entertainment scene, setting the stage for a career that would span several decades.

Career in Italian Entertainment

Lory Del Santo’s career in Italian entertainment has been varied and long-lasting. She first gained attention as a model before transitioning into acting during the early 1980s. She appeared in a number of Italian films throughout that decade, working in the comedic and dramatic genres that were popular in Italian cinema at the time. Her beauty and on-screen confidence helped her build a loyal following with Italian audiences.

Beyond film, Del Santo became a familiar face on Italian television. She appeared on numerous talk shows, variety programs, and entertainment specials that are a staple of Italian broadcasting culture. In the 2000s and 2010s, she participated in several Italian reality TV shows, which introduced her to a new generation of viewers. Reality television gave her a platform to show her personality beyond scripted roles, and she proved to be a compelling and candid presence on screen.

Del Santo has also worked behind the camera. She directed and produced her own projects, demonstrating a creative ambition that went beyond performing. Her willingness to take on different roles within the industry — actress, model, director, and TV personality — has kept her relevant across changing eras of Italian entertainment. Even in her sixties, she continues to make appearances and remains an active figure in Italian media.

Lory Del Santo and Eric Clapton

Lory Del Santo’s life became intertwined with international fame through her relationship with Eric Clapton, the British rock and blues guitarist widely considered one of the greatest musicians of all time. The two began a romantic relationship in the mid-1980s, during a period when Clapton was at the height of his global stardom.

Their relationship, while passionate, was complicated. Clapton was navigating personal struggles of his own during this period, including well-documented battles with addiction. Despite the challenges, the couple welcomed a son, Conor, who was born on August 21, 1986. Conor’s arrival brought immense joy to both parents.

The relationship between Del Santo and Clapton eventually ended, but they remained connected through their son. Their story would take a devastating turn in 1991 — one that would mark both of their lives forever.

The Tragedy of Conor Clapton

On March 20, 1991, four-year-old Conor Clapton died in a tragic accident at a New York City apartment building. He was just four years old. The loss was sudden, incomprehensible, and left both Lory Del Santo and Eric Clapton shattered with grief.

The death of a child is a pain that no parent should ever have to bear, and both Del Santo and Clapton have spoken over the years about how profoundly Conor’s passing affected them. For Clapton, the grief inspired “Tears in Heaven,” a song he co-wrote with Will Jennings that became one of the most emotionally powerful ballads ever recorded. The song won three Grammy Awards in 1993 and touched millions of listeners worldwide.

For Lory Del Santo, the loss was equally devastating but played out more privately. While Clapton channeled his grief into music on the global stage, Del Santo carried the weight of losing her firstborn son while living in Italy, far from the English-speaking media’s constant spotlight. She has spoken about Conor’s death in interviews over the years, always with deep emotion and a mother’s enduring love. Her strength in the face of such a loss speaks to an inner resilience that goes far beyond anything seen on screen.

Personal Life

Lory Del Santo’s personal life has been marked by both love and profound loss. After her relationship with Eric Clapton ended, she continued to live and work in Italy. She later had another son, Loren, who was born in the late 1990s.

Tragically, Del Santo faced yet another devastating loss when Loren died in 2018 at the age of 19. Reports indicated that his death was a suicide. Losing a second son is an almost unthinkable burden, and Del Santo has spoken publicly about her grief with raw honesty. Her willingness to discuss such painful experiences openly has resonated with many people, particularly those who’ve faced similar losses. She’s used her platform to speak about the importance of mental health awareness and the lasting impact of grief.

Despite the immense personal hardships she’s endured, Del Santo has shown extraordinary strength. She’s continued to work, to appear in public, and to live her life with a determination that many find inspiring. Now 67 years old, she remains active in Italian media and continues to be a public figure who’s known as much for her resilience as for her career in entertainment.

Lory Del Santo’s Net Worth in 2026

Lory Del Santo’s exact net worth in 2026 hasn’t been publicly confirmed through reliable sources. Her decades-long career in Italian film, television, modeling, and directing has undoubtedly provided her with a steady income over the years. Italian TV personalities who’ve maintained long careers — especially those with reality TV appearances — typically earn well, though specific figures for Del Santo aren’t verified.

What’s clear is that Del Santo has built a sustainable career that’s lasted more than 40 years in a notoriously competitive industry. Her ability to stay relevant through different eras of Italian entertainment — from 1980s cinema to 2020s reality TV — suggests a savvy understanding of the business side of show business.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Lory Del Santo?

Lory Del Santo is 67 years old as of 2026. She was born on September 28, 1958, in Verona, Italy.

What is Lory Del Santo known for?

She’s known for her career as an Italian actress, model, director, and TV personality. She’s also widely recognized internationally as the former romantic partner of guitarist Eric Clapton and the mother of their son Conor.

Did Lory Del Santo have children with Eric Clapton?

Yes. Lory Del Santo and Eric Clapton had one son together, Conor Clapton, who was born on August 21, 1986. Conor tragically passed away on March 20, 1991, at the age of four.

Is Lory Del Santo still active in entertainment?

Yes. Del Santo has remained active in Italian television and entertainment. She’s appeared on reality shows, talk programs, and continues to be a recognized figure in Italian media.

How tall is Lory Del Santo?

Lory Del Santo stands 175 cm tall, which is approximately 5 feet 9 inches.

Related Celebrities

Learn more about other people connected to Lory Del Santo’s story:

• Conor Clapton — Son of Lory Del Santo and Eric Clapton
• Ella May Clapton — Daughter of Eric Clapton
• Ruth Clapton — Daughter of Eric Clapton
• Sophie Belle Clapton — Daughter of Eric Clapton