Here are 15 famous actors from Italy died in 2003:
Alberto Sordi (June 15, 1920 Trastevere-February 24, 2003 Rome) also known as Alberto, Albertone or Alberto Sordi, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI was an Italian actor, screenwriter, film director, voice actor, film producer and composer.
Sordi had a prolific career in the Italian film industry, appearing in more than 160 films over the course of his career. He was known for his versatility and ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles, earning him wide acclaim and numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA. In addition to his work on screen, Sordi was also a talented stage actor, appearing in a number of successful theatrical productions throughout his lifetime. Sordi's contributions to Italian cinema were so significant that he was awarded the title of Cavaliere di Gran Croce, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an Italian citizen. He remains one of Italy's most beloved and influential actors to this day.
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Fernando Di Leo (January 11, 1932 San Ferdinando di Puglia-December 1, 2003 Rome) a.k.a. Fernando Lion or Fernand Lion was an Italian film director, actor, screenwriter and writer.
Di Leo was particularly well-known for his contributions to the "poliziottesco" film genre, which were Italian crime films that explored themes of violence, corruption and organized crime. He directed almost 20 films within this genre during the 1970s, many of which quickly attained cult status among fans of Italian cinema. Some of his most notable works include "Milano Calibro 9," "Caliber 9," "The Italian Connection," and "The Boss."
Prior to his film career, Di Leo worked as a writer for various Italian comics and film magazines. He also wrote novels and short stories, and even penned the screenplay for a spaghetti western film. Later in life, Di Leo focused more on writing, publishing a number of crime novels throughout the 1990s.
Di Leo's work has had immense influence on modern cinema, particularly in the realm of crime films. His films continue to be widely celebrated and studied by cinephiles and aficionados of the poliziottesco genre.
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Massimo Girotti (May 18, 1918 Mogliano-January 5, 2003 Rome) was an Italian actor. He had two children, Alessio Girotti and Arabella Girotti.
Girotti is often remembered for his leading role in Luchino Visconti's film "Ossessione" (1943), which is considered to be one of the first Italian neorealist films. He went on to have a successful career, appearing in over 90 films, including Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" (1960) and Michelangelo Antonioni's "L'Avventura" (1960). He was also a stage actor and worked with renowned directors such as Franco Zeffirelli and Giorgio Strehler. In addition to his acting career, Girotti was also a writer, having published a collection of short stories in the 1950s. Girotti passed away in Rome at the age of 84.
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Leopoldo Trieste (May 3, 1917 Reggio Calabria-January 25, 2003 Rome) also known as Leopold Trieste was an Italian actor, screenwriter, film director and playwright.
Leopoldo Trieste had a long and impressive career in the Italian film industry. He appeared in over a hundred films, working with some of the biggest names in Italian cinema, including Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti, and Michelangelo Antonioni. Trieste was known for his versatility as an actor, adept at both dramatic roles and comedic performances. In addition to his work in front of the camera, Trieste also wrote screenplays and directed several films. Later in his career, he turned his attention to the theater and was also a prolific playwright. Trieste passed away in Rome in 2003 at the age of 85, having left a lasting mark on Italian culture and cinema.
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Ivan Rassimov (May 7, 1938 Trieste-March 14, 2003 Rome) also known as Ivan Djrassimovic, Ivan Rassimovich, Sean Todd, Ivan Djerassimovic or Ivan Djerasimović was an Italian actor.
He was born in Trieste, Italy to a Serbian father and Italian mother. Rassimov began his acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in a number of spaghetti western films and horror movies. He was frequently cast as the villain due to his striking looks, which he often accentuated with a menacing grin.
In addition to his film work, Rassimov appeared on TV and stage throughout his career. He also had a brief stint as a film director, making his debut with the 1974 thriller "The Man with the Balloons".
Rassimov was known for his collaborations with Italian horror maestros like Mario Bava and Lucio Fulci, and he appeared in several of their most famous works, including "Four of the Apocalypse" and "Zombie". His other notable film credits include "The Big Gundown", "The Five Man Army", and "L'ultima chance".
Rassimov continued acting until his death in March 2003, at the age of 64. He was survived by his wife, Italian actress Vera Drudi, and their daughter.
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Giorgio Gaber (January 25, 1939 Milan-January 1, 2003 Camaiore) also known as Giorgo Gaber, Il Signor G. or Giorgio Gaberscik was an Italian actor. He had one child, Dalia Gaberscik.
Giorgio Gaber was not only an actor but also a singer, songwriter, and playwright. He began his career in the late 1950s and rose to fame in the 1960s. His songs and performances often had strong political and social themes, and he was known for his satirical and ironic style. Gaber was also a strong advocate for human rights and was involved in several activist movements. In addition to his work as an artist, he was also a dedicated philanthropist and worked to improve the lives of disadvantaged people. Gaber continued to perform and create until his death in 2003, and he remains an influential figure in Italian culture and society.
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Walter Valdi (August 20, 1930 Cavenago di Brianza-October 13, 2003 Milan) a.k.a. Walter Pinetti Valdi, Walter Pinnetti or Walter Giovanni Nicola Pinnetti was an Italian songwriter, singer, author and actor. He had one child, Antonio Amadeus Valdi.
Walter Valdi began his career as an actor, starring in several Italian films such as "Il Mondo le condanna" (1953) and "Peccato che sia una canaglia" (1954). However, he found his true passion in music and began writing songs for popular Italian singers like Fred Buscaglione and Adriano Celentano.
Valdi's most famous hit song was "Il Geghegè," which he wrote for the Italian singer Rita Pavone in 1963. The song became a chart-topping success and solidified Valdi's reputation as one of Italy's top songwriters.
Throughout his career, Valdi wrote and composed over 300 songs for some of the most popular Italian singers. He also wrote several books, including the autobiographical "Il mio inferno" (My Hell) which detailed his struggles with drug addiction.
Despite his success, Valdi's personal life was tumultuous, and he struggled with drug addiction for many years. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 73. Today, he is remembered as one of Italy's most prolific songwriters and a true icon of Italian music.
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Fiorenzo Fiorentini (April 10, 1920 Rome-March 27, 2003 Rome) also known as Fiorentini was an Italian actor, screenwriter, composer, radio personality and author.
Fiorenzo Fiorentini was well-known for his contributions to the Italian entertainment industry. He appeared in more than 60 films, including "The Railroad Man" (1956) and "The White Sheik" (1952), and worked alongside notable directors such as Federico Fellini and Vittorio De Sica.
Aside from his work in film, Fiorentini wrote screenplays for several movies and television shows, including "Big Deal on Madonna Street" (1958) and "The Cats" (1965). He also composed music for various productions and was recognized for his song "Napoli, Sole e Amore," which he wrote for the film "Duel of the Titans" (1961).
As a radio personality and author, Fiorenzo Fiorentini made valuable contributions to Italian culture. He hosted "Cinque minuti di relax," a radio program dedicated to music and relaxation, for more than a decade. He also wrote several books, including "Giochi di Parole" (Word Games) and "Il Fiore all'Occhiello" (The Flower on the Lapel), both of which were well-received by the public.
Fiorenzo Fiorentini was honored with the prestigious National Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2001 for his significant contributions to the arts and culture. His legacy continues to live on through his many achievements in the entertainment industry.
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Sesto Bruscantini (December 10, 1919 Macerata-May 4, 2003 Civitanova Marche) was an Italian actor.
He was widely known for his roles in both opera and film, and was highly regarded for his baritone voice. Bruscantini made his operatic debut in 1947 in Giuseppe Verdi's "Falstaff," and went on to perform in many iconic productions throughout his career.
In addition to his work in opera, Bruscantini also acted in several films, often portraying characters with a comedic edge. He appeared in over 30 movies, including "Il barbiere di Siviglia" and "Le Quattro Giornate di Napoli."
Throughout his career, Bruscantini received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to the arts, including the prestigious Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. He remained active in his profession until his death in 2003 at the age of 83.
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Nino Vingelli (June 4, 1912 Naples-March 26, 2003 Rome) also known as Salvatore Vingelli or Vingelli was an Italian actor and voice actor.
Vingelli began his career in the 1930s, appearing in small roles in Italian films. He quickly found success as a character actor, known for his ability to portray a wide range of roles. Vingelli worked with some of the biggest names in Italian cinema, including Vittorio De Sica and Federico Fellini. He was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to a number of animated films and television series.
Throughout his long career, Vingelli appeared in over 150 films and television shows. He was known for his versatility and ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters. Despite his success, Vingelli remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He died in Rome in 2003, leaving behind a legacy as one of Italy's most beloved character actors.
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Sergio Bruni (September 15, 1921 Villaricca-June 22, 2003 Rome) a.k.a. Guglielmo Chianese, S. Bruni, The Voice of Naples or Bruni, Sergio was an Italian actor and musician. He had one child, Bruna Chianese.
Bruni was born in Villaricca, Naples, Italy in 1921. He began his career as a musician and gained fame in the 1950s as a singer of Neapolitan songs. He was known for his powerful and emotional voice, which earned him the nickname "The Voice of Naples". Bruni went on to become one of the most popular and beloved singers in Italy, and his music continues to be celebrated today.
In addition to his music career, Bruni was also a successful actor, appearing in several Italian films and television shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He was known for his charm and charisma onscreen, and he became a beloved figure in Italian entertainment.
Bruni continued to perform and record music well into his later years, and he remained a beloved figure in Italian culture until his death in 2003. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest singers and performers in Italian music history, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
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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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Guidarino Guidi (November 27, 2014 Poggibonsi-April 1, 2003 Rome) was an Italian actor and casting director.
He began his acting career in the theatre before transitioning into film, where he appeared in over 60 movies. Some of his notable roles include "Il Postino" (1994) and "The Great Beauty" (2013). In addition to his work in front of the camera, Guidi was also a highly respected casting director, having worked on films such as "The Godfather" (1972) and "Cinema Paradiso" (1988). Throughout his career, Guidi was known for his versatility as an actor and his keen eye for talent in his casting work.
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Roberto Murolo (January 19, 1912 Naples-March 13, 2003 Naples) a.k.a. Murolo or Murolo, Roberto was an Italian singer, actor, guitarist and songwriter.
He came from a family of musicians and began performing at a young age with his father and brothers. His music was heavily influenced by Neapolitan tradition and he is considered to be one of the most important artists in the genre of Neapolitan song. Murolo also acted in films and collaborated with many notable Italian musicians throughout his career, including Enrico Caruso and Renato Carosone. He was awarded numerous honors throughout his life, including a Knighthood of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic. Despite his passing, Murolo's music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed throughout Italy and around the world.
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Don Lurio (November 15, 1929 New York City-January 26, 2003 Rome) was an Italian actor.
Born to Italian immigrant parents in New York City, Don Lurio grew up speaking both Italian and English. His family moved back to Italy when he was a teenager, and he began his acting career in Italian theater in the 1950s. Lurio went on to appear in numerous Italian films and television shows over the course of several decades, often playing supporting roles. He was known for his dynamic performances and his ability to convey depth and nuance through his acting. In addition to his work as an actor, Lurio was also a talented writer and published several books in Italian. In his later years, he divided his time between Italy and the United States, where he was something of a cultural ambassador between the two countries. Lurio passed away in Rome in 2003 at the age of 73.
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