Watch: 'White Lotus' Star Sabrina Impacciatore Addresses Her Gay Icon Status

Sabrina Impacciatore was already a well-known comedic actor and gay icon in Italy before she stole America's heart in "The White Lotus" season 2. Recently she spoke about her journey to icon status during the WrapWomen's "UnWrapped" podcast, reported The Wrap.

"Since I was 18, they decided that I was a queer icon," said Impacciatore. "They called me for every gay pride. I was the godmother, a Greek bride for every manifestation queer festival. I was always called, and I loved that."

Impacciatore famously played the role of Valentina in "White Lotus," and her cranky character eventually experiences a lesbian sexual awakening.

Before reading the script, Impacciatore said she felt a responsibility to play the character when she found out the character would be queer.

"The LGBTQ community in Italy, is struggling so much... this government is even more strict and has a vision that is very squared," said Impacciatore. "They really have to struggle and to fight in order to feel respected and to get the rights, the same rights."

Considering this, Impacciatore vowed to make sure that Valentina would "be understood by everybody." During her live audition she acted in a scene with Isabella (played by Eleonora Romandini).

"I will never forget that Mike had tears," she said, about pouring extra emotion into the role. "He told me, 'Oh, Sabrina, I didn't expect Valentina to be so sweet. And, and he said, I would like to, to explore this direction with you.'"

The role of Valentina has since opened doors for Impacciatore, including a chance to meet fellow gay icon Sir Elton John.

"Someone came and said, 'Sir Elton John would like to meet you.' Then they took me in front of him. He was seated. He was eating so I thought, 'Oh my god, this is the worst moment ever to meet him. He's literally having a fantastic mouthful...' And he turned and he stood up and he hugged me like this. And he kept these hugs so long that I couldn't believe it. That was Oh my god. Yeah, I was like a child," she said.

Her whole explanation is sweet and very shows the reason America has fallen so love with her. Watch her full podcast interview below.