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Roberto Benigni

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Biography

Arguably the most popular Italian screen comedian since the immortal Toto, Roberto Benigni mastered early on the exacting art of improvisational humor. Inspired by Charles Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Peter Sellers, Benigni first gained fame in his native country with his own must-see TV series, sustaining his vast following with several hilarious movie appearances. One of his best-known monologues, "Cioni Mario", was expanded into the feature film I Love You Berlinger (1977), after which Benigni went on to star in a number of popular films in Italy.

His 1991 Italian box office success, Johnny Stecchino, brought him much deserved international attention. American filmgoers, however, may have become aware of the Benigni brand of comedy earlier with the 1988 Walter Matthau vehicle Little Devils, which Benigni wrote, directed, and costarred in. He had also been visible--to arthouse audiences at least--in two of Jim Jarmusch's movies, first playing a convict in Down By Law (1986) and then appearing as a Roman taxi driver in Night on Earth (1988). He also acted in another arthouse favorite, Wim Wenders' Faraway, So Close, in 1993.

Having proven his comedic talents to an international audience, Benigni seemed an inspired casting choice for the pratfalling offspring of Inspector Clouseau in Blake Edwards' 1992 Son of the Pink Panther. Unfortunately, the role created by Peter Sellers may not have been ideal for Benigni and the comedy did not receive much praise. However, the comedian more than proved himself five years later, co-writing, directing and starring in Life Is Beautiful. The movie--which had the potentially ungainly premise of a comedy set in a concentration camp--proved to be a huge international success, both critically and commercially. It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival--where Benigni, leaping onstage to accept the award, got down on his knees before presenter Martin Scorsese and kissed his hand--and then went on to win a number of other awards, including Best Actor and Best Screenplay Oscars for Benigni. Accepting one of his Oscars, Benigni proved to be one of the more memorable aspects of the 1998 ceremony: upon hearing of his win, he jumped up on his seat and then took to the stage, where he proceeded to proclaim--in broken English and at great length--his great joy and gratitude.
Benigni is married to actress Nicoletta Braschi, with whom he has appeared in a number of films, including Johnny Stecchino and Life is Beautiful. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Filmography

Pinocchio (2002) .... Pinocchio
Who is Alan Smithee? (2002) (TV) (uncredited) (archive footage) .... Himself
Fellini: Je suis un grand menteur (2001)
... aka Federico Fellini: Sono un gran bugiardo (2001) (Italy)
... aka I'm a Born Liar (2001) (International: English title)
51st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, The (1999) (TV) .... Himself
71st Annual Academy Awards, The (1999) (TV) .... Himself (winner, Best Actor)
Astérix et Obélix contre César (1999) .... Lucius Detritus (Tullius Destructivus)
... aka Asterix & Obelix gegen Caesar (1999) (Germany)
... aka Asterix and Obelix Take On Caesar (2000) (UK)
... aka Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar (1999)
... aka Asterix e Obelix contro Cesare (1999) (Italy)
Vita è bella, La (1997) .... Guido Orefice
... aka Life Is Beautiful (1998) (USA)
Mostro, Il (1994) .... Loris
... aka Monster, The (1996) (USA)
... aka Monstre, Le (1995) (France)
Son of the Pink Panther (1993) .... Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau Jr.
... aka Blake Edwards' Son of the Pink Panther (1993)
... aka Figlio della pantera rosa, Il (1993) (Italy)
Johnny Stecchino (1991) .... Dante/Johnny Stecchino
... aka Johnny Toothpick (1991)
Night on Earth (1991) .... Driver (Rome)
... aka Une nuit sur terre (1991) (France)
Voce della luna, La (1989) .... Ivo Salvini
... aka Voice of the Moon, The (1989)
Piccolo diavolo, Il (1988) .... Giuditta
... aka Little Devil, The (1988)
Coffee and Cigarettes (1986) .... Bob
Down by Law (1986) .... Roberto
Non ci resta che piangere (1985) .... Saverio
... aka Nothing Left to Do But Cry (1985)
Cinématon (1984) .... (segment "1986")
Effetti personali (1983)
... aka Personal Effects (1983) (International: literal title English title)
F.F.S.S. cioè che mi hai portato a fare sopra Posillipo se non mi vuoi più bene (1983) .... Lo sceicco Beige
Tu mi turbi (1983) .... Benigno
... aka You Upset Me (1983) (International: English title)
Tutto Benigni (1983) .... Himself
Pap'occhio, Il (1981) .... Benigni
... aka In the Pope's Eye (1981)
Anche i ladri hanno un santo (1981)
Minestrone, Il (1981) .... Il maestro
Giorni cantati, I (1979)
... aka Days Are Numbered, The (1979) (International: English title)
Letti selvaggi (1979) .... Cameo appearance
... aka Camas calientes (1979)
... aka Tigers in Lipstick (1985) (USA)
... aka Wild Beds (1979)
Luna, La (1979) .... Upholsterer
... aka Luna (1979) (USA)
Chiedo asilo (1979) .... Roberto
... aka Pipicacadodo (1980) (France)
... aka Seeking Asylum (1979) (USA: video title)
Clair de femme (1979)
... aka Chiaro di donna (1979) (Italy)
... aka Liebe einer Frau, Die (1979)
... aka Womanlight (1979) (USA)
Berlinguer ti voglio bene (1977) .... Cioni Mario

Links

Contact

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I-00153 Rom
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