Roberto Benigni

Biography

Roberto Benigni, (born October 27, 1952, Misericordia, Arezzo, Italy), Italian actor and director known for his comedic work, most notably La vita è bella (1997; Life Is Beautiful), for which he won an Academy Award for best actor. Benigni was the son of a poor tenant farmer who had worked in a German forced-labour camp during World War II. The elder Benigni used humour in retelling his experiences, which helped shape his son’s comedic skill. Benigni briefly attended a Jesuit seminary in Florence, and, after a stint as a magician’s assistant, he joined an underground theatre group in the late 1960s.

Known For

Life Is Beautiful

as Guido

To Rome with Love

as Leopoldo

Asterix & Obelix Take on Caesar

as Lucius Detritus

Pinocchio

as Mister Geppetto

Nothing Left to Do But Cry

as Saverio

Johnny Stecchino

as Dante Ceccarini / Johnny Stecchino

Coffee and Cigarettes

as Roberto (segment "Strange to Meet You")

Night on Earth

as Cab Driver Rome

Down by Law

as Roberto

Pinocchio

as Pinocchio