Gaetano Casanova, Giacomo’s father, came from a good family, but his youthful passion for an actress had disastrous results. He was only 19 when he fell in love with La Fragoletta, named after a strawberry-shaped birthmark on her breast. She was 35 years older than Gaetano, married, and with two children, both of which were actually older than her young lover. Gaetano’s parents were horrified at the prospect of their son pursuing such a woman, but he was obstinate and determined to follow her wherever she went. He left his native Parma and joined her theatrical company as a dancer and an actor. His father was so furious he disinherited him.