Home Truths – Vincent Fantauzzo
When celebrated portrait artist Vincent Fantauzzo first appeared on Australian Story in 2019 to talk about his dyslexia, he received a phenomenal public response.
But at that time, Vincent wasn't able to be entirely honest about his life story. After his father died, Vincent was able to confront his traumatic childhood in a way he had previously kept hidden – even from his wife, actor Asher Keddie.
"He's been able to break that cycle of dysfunction because he's started to tell the truth," Asher tells Australian Story.
"I've dealt with a lot of things I was hiding for a long time," says Vincent.
Now, Vincent is unveiling the painful reality of his relationship with his father and the dark truths of his childhood. And doing so has helped him become the type of father he wished he'd had.
It was this longing that pushed Vincent into seeking out his own father figures throughout his life – most notably, Heath Ledger's father, Kim.
Their connection was formed amid a chaotic time, after the portrait Vincent had painted of the Hollywood star won the Archibald People's Choice award just a month after Heath's shock accidental overdose in 2008.
The painting catapulted Vincent into the spotlight, and his career as one of the country's most renowned portrait artists has continued to flourish since.
Seventeen years on, the close bond between Vincent and Kim has been instrumental in easing the painful void both men have experienced, and inspired Vincent in his commitment to be the best father he can be.
"I often refer to him as my surrogate son in Melbourne," says Kim. "Just being part of that journey with him has provided me a great deal of comfort, and I feel very proud to have been a witness to the growth in him personally."
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