Roberto Benigni
Eccentric, fast-talking, excited, and passionate are all words commonly used to describe Roberto Benigni. And these were especially apt to describe his acceptance speech for Best Actor at the 1998 Oscars. And with good reason. He was the first actor to win the title for a non-English speaking role.
Italian actor, writer, and director Roberto Benigni was born October 27, 1952, in Misericorida, Arezzo, Tuscany. He was subsequently raised in Manciano by Luigi Benigni (bricklayer and carpenter) and Isolina Benigni (fabric inspector). Benigni’s first brush with acting came in 1972 when he appeared in a live theater production. Throughout the 1970s Benigni was known for his outrageous and often censored work such as the television series Televacca. He was also noted for his comical and casual interaction with otherwise serious and influential Italian politicians.
The 80s brought Benigni increased fame and notoriety. He also made his directorial debut in 1983 with Tu Mi Turbi (You Upset Me). It was here he met Nicoletta Braschi whom he would later marry and work with on many projects.
While Benigni’s popularity in Italy was secured, his career soon expanded beyond his home country. In 1986 he was one of the leads in Down by Law directed by American Jim Jarmusch and also starring Tom Waits and Ellen Barkin. He continued this professional collaboration in 1991 when he played an Italian taxi driver in Night on Earth. This film drew some big-name stars including Gena Rowlands, Winona Ryder, and Rosie Perez. His most recent job with Jarmusch came in 2003 with Coffee and Cigarettes, a series of essentially unconnected vignettes. Filmed over several years, the movie features an extremely eclectic cast including Steve Buscemi, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits, Cate Blanchett, Jack White, Meg White, Alfred Molina, Steve Coogan, and Bill Murray.
Benigni also collaborated frequently with writer Vincenzo Cerami. Together they made Il Piccolo Diavolo (with Walter Matthau), Johnny Stecchino, and Il Mostro.
However, it is certainly Life is Beautiful (or La Vita è Bella) for which Benigni is most famous. The story was written by both Cerami and Benigni. Besides starring in the film (and taking home the Oscar for his efforts), Benigni also directed the film.
Unfortunately for Benigni, he followed this tremendous success with the film adaptation of Pinocchio. It cost $45 million to make but received abysmal critical reviews.
His last film came in 2005 and was entitled La Tigre e la Neve. Yet again, he starred, wrote, and directed the piece. He co-starred with Jean Reno, Tom Waits, and Emilia Fox.
Besides acting, Benigni is known for impromptu recitations of poetry, singing, and songwriting. Equally so, Benigni is known for his outspoken political views and activism.
He married Nicoletta Braschi in December of 1991, and they are currently still together.
YUDDY
