Here are 21 famous actors from Italy were born in 1922:
Pier Paolo Pasolini (March 5, 1922 Bologna-November 2, 1975 Ostia) a.k.a. P.P. Pasolini, Paul Pasolini or Pierpaolo Pasolini was an Italian film director, poet, novelist, actor, journalist, screenwriter, philosopher, linguist, playwright, painter, politician and writer.
Pasolini is best known for his controversial films such as "Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom" and "The Gospel According to St. Matthew". He was a prominent figure in the Italian neorealist movement and often explored themes of poverty, social injustice, and sexuality in his work. In his personal life, Pasolini was openly gay and frequently faced censorship and criticism for his depictions of homosexuality in his films and writing. He was tragically murdered in 1975 under mysterious circumstances that still remain unsolved. Despite his short life, Pasolini has had a lasting impact on Italian culture and is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
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Vittorio Gassman (September 1, 1922 Genoa-June 29, 2000 Rome) also known as Vittorio Gassmann, The Sir Laurence Olivier of Italy, Il Mattatore, Vittorio Gassman Knight Grand Cross OMRI, "the protagonist" or Vittorio Gassman, Knight Grand Cross, OMRI was an Italian actor, film director, screenwriter and writer. His children are called Alessandro Gassman, Paola Gassman, Jacopo Gassman and Vittoria Gassman.
Gassman began his acting career in the theater in the 1940s and quickly became one of Italy's most beloved and respected actors. He appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, including Luchino Visconti's "Rocco and His Brothers" (1960) and Federico Fellini's "Satyricon" (1969). In addition to his acting work, Gassman directed several films and was a prolific writer, publishing several novels and plays. He was awarded numerous accolades for his contributions to Italian culture, including the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Gassman passed away in 2000 at the age of 77.
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Adolfo Celi (July 27, 1922 Messina-February 19, 1986 Siena) was an Italian actor, businessperson, film director, teacher, theatre director, writer and screenwriter. He had two children, Leonardo Celi and Alessandra Celi.
Celi is best known for his role as Emilio Largo in the James Bond film "Thunderball" (1965). He appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, including Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" (1960) and "8½" (1963). Celi was also a talented stage actor, and he directed several plays throughout his career.
Before becoming an actor, Celi studied architecture, but he soon realized his true passion was in theater and film. He made his film debut in 1946 in "O Sole Mio," and quickly became a sought-after character actor in Italian cinema. In addition to his acting career, Celi was a successful businessman and owned several restaurants in Italy.
Celi was known for his deep, raspy voice, and his imposing physical presence on screen. He was often cast as villains, due to his menacing look and commanding presence. Celi passed away in 1986 at the age of 63, but his legacy as one of Italy's most iconic actors lives on.
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Francesco Rosi (November 15, 1922 Naples-) otherwise known as F. Rosi or Franco Rosi is an Italian film director, screenwriter, actor and film producer. His child is called Carolina Rosi.
Rosi is considered one of the great post-World War II Italian filmmakers, known for his socially conscious and politically charged films that often explored Italian history and the country's societal issues. His films include "Salvatore Giuliano," "The Mattei Affair," and "Three Brothers," among many others. Throughout his career, Rosi won numerous awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. In addition to filmmaking, Rosi was also a member of the Italian parliament from 1992 to 1994. He passed away on January 10, 2015.
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Ugo Tognazzi (March 23, 1922 Cremona-October 27, 1990 Rome) a.k.a. Ottavio Tognazzi or Ottavio Ugo Tognazzi was an Italian screenwriter, film director, actor, television director and comedian. He had four children, Gianmarco Tognazzi, Ricky Tognazzi, Maria Sole Tognazzi and Thomas Robsahm.
Tognazzi began his acting career in theater during the 1940s but gained nationwide recognition through his performance in the 1958 film "Big Deal on Madonna Street". He continued to act in various Italian films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, receiving critical acclaim and popularity for his performances in comedies such as "La Cage aux Folles" (1978) and "La Cage aux Folles II" (1980), for which he won a César Award for Best Actor.
Apart from his successful acting career, Tognazzi also directed several films and television series, including "Il mantenuto" (1961) and "Il fischio al naso" (1967). He also wrote the screenplay for the 1973 film "The Fascist". In addition, Tognazzi was a talented television director and directed numerous successful television shows throughout his career.
Tognazzi's personal life was marked by his numerous relationships with women and his struggle with alcoholism. He died of a heart attack in Rome in 1990 at the age of 68. Despite his personal struggles, Tognazzi's legacy as an actor and filmmaker continues to influence Italian cinema to this day.
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Carlo Lizzani (April 3, 1922 Rome-October 5, 2013 Prati) a.k.a. Lee W. Beaver was an Italian screenwriter, film director, actor, film producer, television director, film critic, writer and author. He had two children, Francesco Lizzani and Flaminia Lizzani.
Carlo Lizzani was an influential figure in Italian cinema, having directed over 50 films and written scripts for over 70. He was considered as one of the founders of the Italian Neorealist movement, which emerged after the end of World War II. Lizzani's films often explored social and political issues, and many of them were based on real-life events.
In addition to his work in cinema, Lizzani was also active in television, directing several successful TV series and documentaries. He was also a prolific writer, publishing several books about film and Italian politics.
Outside of his film career, Lizzani was involved in left-wing politics in Italy, and was a member of the Italian Communist Party. He was also a supporter of the anti-fascist movement and participated in the resistance against the Nazi occupation of Italy during World War II.
Lizzani's contributions to Italian cinema were recognized with numerous awards, including the Golden Lion lifetime achievement award at the Venice Film Festival in 1994. He remained active in the film industry until his death in 2013 at the age of 91.
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Damiano Damiani (July 23, 1922 Pasiano di Pordenone-March 7, 2013 Ripa) was an Italian screenwriter, film director, actor, writer, television director and production designer. His children are called Cristina Damiani, Sibilla Damiani and Francesco Damiani.
Damiani studied literature and philosophy before beginning his career in the film industry. He started out as a screenwriter, collaborating with some of Italy's greatest directors, such as Federico Fellini and Michelangelo Antonioni. His directorial debut came in 1959 with the film "Il rossetto", and he went on to direct over 50 films in his career.
One of his most famous works is the 1967 film "A Bullet for the General", a spaghetti western starring Gian Maria Volonté. The film was highly regarded for its political commentary and its portrayal of Mexican revolutionaries.
Damiani was also known for his work in television, directing several popular Italian TV shows. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Damiani was also a writer and painter.
Throughout his career, Damiani received numerous awards and accolades, including the Career Golden Lion at the 1991 Venice Film Festival. He will always be remembered as one of Italy's greatest filmmakers.
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Luciano Salce (September 25, 1922 Rome-December 17, 1989 Rome) otherwise known as Salce or Pilantra was an Italian film director, screenwriter, actor and lyricist. He had one child, Emanuele Salce.
Salce began his career as a radio announcer and eventually made his way into the film industry. He directed more than 50 films, both comedies and dramas, throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, and also acted in several of them. Some of his more popular films include "Toto vs. The Four," "The Fascist," and "Almost a Bigamist."
Salce was known for his ability to create witty and humorous films that tackled social issues, particularly those related to Italian politics and society. He often collaborated with other famous Italian filmmakers and actors, including Toto, Alberto Sordi, and Vittorio Gassman.
In addition to his work in film, Salce also wrote lyrics for popular Italian songs, such as "Piove" and "Madonnina dei Campi." He was a well-respected figure in the Italian film industry and was nominated for a Golden Bear award at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1960.
Salce passed away in 1989 at the age of 67 in Rome, Italy, leaving behind a legacy of celebrated films and contributions to Italian cinema.
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Tano Cimarosa (January 1, 1922 Messina-May 24, 2008 Messina) a.k.a. Gaetano Cimarosa, Gaetabi Cimarosa, Gaetano Chisko or Gaetano Cisco was an Italian film director, actor and screenwriter.
Throughout his career, Tano Cimarosa worked on over 60 films as a director, including Spatola (1972), Il brigadiere Pasquale Zagaria ama la mamma e la polizia (1973) and La poliziotta fa carriera (1976). He often worked in the crime and comedy genres, with his films becoming particularly popular during the 1970s and 80s.
In addition to his directing work, Cimarosa also acted in a number of films including Il vangelo secondo Matteo (1964) and Abbronzatissimi (1991), as well as writing screenplays for several of his own films.
Cimarosa was born and raised in Messina, Sicily, where he initially began his career as an actor in local theater productions before moving to Rome in the 1950s to pursue a career in film. He remained active in the film industry until his death in 2008 at the age of 86.
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Serge Reggiani (May 2, 1922 Reggio Emilia-July 23, 2004 Boulogne-Billancourt) also known as Sergio Reggiani was an Italian singer, actor and painter. He had five children, Simon Reggiani, Karine Reggiani, Celia Reggiani, Maria Reggiani and Stéphan Reggiani.
Before pursuing his career in entertainment, Reggiani fought in the French Resistance during World War II, which led to his arrest and imprisonment by the Nazis. Upon his release, he started acting in French films and quickly gained popularity as a leading man. He also began pursuing a career in music, where he was known for his melancholic voice and poetic lyrics. Reggiani was a multifaceted artist who continued to paint throughout his career, exhibiting his work in galleries in both France and Italy. In his later years, he suffered from Parkinson's disease, but he continued to perform and record music until his death in 2004.
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Ennio Balbo (April 18, 1922 Naples-June 18, 1989 Rome) a.k.a. William Bosh, Edward Bell, Enio Balbo or Ennio Baldo was an Italian actor and voice actor.
He began his career in the 1940s as a stage actor and soon started appearing in Italian films as well. Balbo is known for his roles in popular Italian films like "Travolti da un insólito destino nell'azzurro mare d'agosto" (Swept Away) and "L'Ultimo Squalo" (The Last Shark). He also worked extensively as a voice actor, dubbing the voices of famous actors such as Kirk Douglas, Sean Connery, and Charlton Heston in many Italian versions of Hollywood films. In addition to his acting career, Balbo was also a writer and director. He directed a total of five films over the span of his career.
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Achille Millo (October 25, 1922 Naples-October 18, 2006 Rome) otherwise known as Achille Scognamillo was an Italian actor.
Achille Millo began his career in theater in the 1940s, working with prominent Italian theater companies such as the Piccolo Teatro di Milano and the Teatro Stabile di Torino. He also appeared in over 80 films and TV shows, often playing the role of a character actor.
Millo was known for his versatility in acting, being able to take on roles ranging from dramatic to comedic. Some of his notable film roles include "I soliti ignoti" (Big Deal on Madonna Street), "Il sorpasso" (The Easy Life), and "Roma" (Fellini's Roma).
Aside from his work in film and theater, Millo was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to several Italian dubs of foreign films and TV shows, including the Italian dub of Disney's "The Lion King".
Millo passed away in 2006 at the age of 84 in Rome, Italy.
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Tino Buazzelli (September 13, 1922 Frascati-October 20, 1980 Rome) also known as Agostino Buazzelli or Vittorio was an Italian actor, film producer and painter.
He began his acting career in the theater, working with renowned directors such as Vittorio Gassman and Giorgio Strehler. Buazzelli quickly gained recognition for his talent and charisma on stage, leading to his transition into film and television.
Buazzelli starred in many Italian films throughout the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, including "La Mandragola" (1965) and "Orient Express" (1979). He is perhaps best known for his role as Don Felice in the classic Italian comedy "Un Giornata Particolare" (1977), which garnered critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
In addition to his work in film and theater, Buazzelli was also an accomplished painter, with his works exhibited in galleries throughout Italy.
Despite his success, Buazzelli struggled with health issues throughout his career, including a heart condition which ultimately claimed his life in 1980 at the age of 58. Nonetheless, his contributions to Italian acting and culture remain revered to this day.
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Paolo Carlini (January 6, 1922 Santarcangelo di Romagna-November 3, 1979 Rome) was an Italian actor.
He began his acting career in the 1940s, appearing in small roles in various films. Carlini gained widespread recognition for his role in the film "Era lui... sì! sì!" (1951), which marked a turning point in his career. From then on, he appeared in numerous films and television programs, becoming one of the most popular actors of his time. Carlini was known for his distinctive voice, which he used to great effect in his performances. In addition to his successful acting career, he was also a talented theater director, and worked with some of Italy's most renowned theater companies. Carlini received several prestigious awards for his work, including the David di Donatello Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1957. Despite his early success, Carlini's later years were marked by personal struggles, including financial difficulties and health problems. He died in 1979 at the age of 57 in Rome, leaving behind a rich legacy of film and theater work.
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Franco Balducci (November 23, 1922 Perugia-) is an Italian actor.
He began his career on stage, performing in various productions in Italy and abroad. Balducci later transitioned to film, where he played supporting roles in several acclaimed Italian movies such as Vittorio De Sica's "The Bicycle Thief" and Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita". He also appeared in international films, working with directors such as Stanley Kubrick in "Barry Lyndon" and Brian De Palma in "The Untouchables". In addition to his work in film, Balducci has made several television appearances, and has been recognized with several awards for his contributions to the Italian film industry. Outside of acting, he is known for his interest in photography, and several of his works have been exhibited in galleries across Italy.
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Raimondo Vianello (May 7, 1922 Rome-April 15, 2010 Milan) also known as Riccardo Vianello or Raimondo Viani was an Italian actor, screenwriter, comedian, presenter and film producer. He had two children, Raymond Vianello and John Mark Vianello.
Vianello was born in Rome, Italy, and began his career as a radio presenter, later moving into television. He became widely known for his work on the sketch comedy series "Noi e la musica" (We and Music) in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as for his roles in several popular Italian films. Vianello was also a prolific writer and producer, creating a number of successful television programs and films throughout his career. He was highly regarded for his comedic timing and ability to connect with audiences, and remained a beloved figure in Italian popular culture until his death in 2010.
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Toni Ucci (January 13, 1922 Rome-February 17, 2014 Rome) a.k.a. Tony Ucci, Antonio Ucci or Antonio "Toni" Ucci was an Italian actor and comedian.
Ucci began his acting career in 1948 and appeared in over 60 films throughout his career. He was best known for his comedic roles in popular Italian films such as "Il vedovo" and "Il magnifico cornuto". Ucci was also a prolific voice actor, dubbing foreign films into Italian. In addition to his work in film, Ucci was a regular performer on Italian television shows such as "Canzonissima" and "Fantastico". He was recognized for his contributions to Italian cinema with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Nastro d'Argento Awards. Ucci passed away in Rome at the age of 92.
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Umberto Raho (June 4, 1922 Bari-) also known as Raoul H. Newman, Raul H. Newman, Bert Raho, Humi Raho, Umi Raho, Umy Raho, Bob Rains, Robert Rains, Umberto Rau or Bob Raines is an Italian actor.
He began his acting career in the early 1950s and was known for his work in Italian horror and thriller films. He appeared in over 100 films throughout his career and was often cast as a supporting or character actor. Raho worked with many prominent Italian filmmakers, including Federico Fellini and Dario Argento. He also had roles in several international productions, such as the James Bond film "Thunderball" (1965). In addition to acting, Raho was also a talented painter and photographer. He retired from acting in the 1980s and passed away in 1976.
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Daniele Vargas (April 20, 1922 Bologna-January 7, 1992 Rome) also known as Daniel Vargas, Dan Vargas or Daniele Pitani was an Italian actor and voice actor.
He began his career in the theater in the 1940s, before transitioning to film and television in the 1950s. Vargas appeared in over 150 films throughout his career, working with many of Italy's most prominent directors, including Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti. He was known for his versatility in playing both dramatic and comedic roles. Vargas was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to many foreign films dubbed in Italian. In addition to his successful acting career, Vargas was also a published author, writing several books on Italian cinema.
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Mario Petri (January 21, 1922 Perugia-January 26, 1985 Città della Pieve) a.k.a. Mario Pezzetta was an Italian actor.
He began his career in the 1940s and appeared in over 40 films throughout his career. Petri was known for his roles in Italian western movies, including his performance as "El Gallo" in "The Mercenary" (1968). Petri also appeared in several historical dramas, such as "Lucrezia Borgia" (1953) and "Messalina" (1960). In addition to his film work, Petri was also a talented voice actor and dubbed the Italian voices for many Hollywood actors, including Marlon Brando and Clint Eastwood. Petri passed away in 1985 at the age of 63.
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Ciccio Ingrassia (October 5, 1922 Palermo-April 28, 2003 Rome) also known as Francesco Ingrassia, Ingrassia, Ciccio or Francesco "Ciccio" Ingrassia was an Italian comedian, actor and film director. He had one child, Giampiero Ingrassia.
Ingrassia started his career as a comedian and broke into films in the 1950s. He became popularly known for his partnership with fellow comic actor Franco Franchi, and the duo made over 100 films together. Some of their most successful movies include "Two Mafiosi Against Goldfinger," "Due Marines E Un Generale," and "Il Gatto Con Gli Stivali." In addition to acting, Ingrassia also directed several films, with "Siddharta" being one of his most notable works. He received numerous awards for his contributions to the Italian film industry, including the Silver Ribbon, which he won six times.
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