Vitali was iconic figure in Italian comedic cinema.
Alvaro Vitali, the Italian comic actor discovered by film director Federico Fellini and best known for his role as Pierino, died in a hospital in Rome on Tuesday aged 75.
Vitali starred in more than 150 films, mostly in Italy’s “commedia sexy” genre – bawdy comedies with erotic and slapstick elements – that thrived in the 1970s and early 1980s.
Born in Rome on 3 February 1950, Vitali started out as an electrician before being spotted by Fellini who was known for his keen eye for unique faces and personalities.
Fellini cast Vitali in a small but memorable role in his 1972 masterpiece, Roma.
This debut marked the beginning of Vitali’s journey into the world of cinema, opening doors to further collaborations with Fellini, including Amarcord (1973), where he played the character of Naso, and Casanova (1976).
These early roles, though often minor, allowed him to showcase his natural comedic timing and laid the groundwork for his future stardom.
With his distinctive physical comedy, expressive face and an ability to portray relatable, often hapless characters, Vitali carved out a unique niche in the landscape of popular Italian film.
The mid-1970s saw Vitali’s career shift towards the commedia sexy all’italiana, a genre that would make him a household name.
In these films, he typically played supporting roles, often as the sidekick, the awkward admirer or the bumbling protagonist, frequently alongside established stars including Edwige Fenech, Gloria Guida and Lino Banfi.
His characters were often characterised by their innocence, unsuccessful attempts at romance and exaggerated reactions to the various predicaments they found themselves in.
Some of his most famous roles from this period include appearances in films like La professoressa di scienze naturali (1976), La dottoressa del distretto militare (1976), L’insegnante al mare (1980), and the highly popular “Pierino” series, starting with Pierino contro tutti (1981).
The character of Pierino, a mischievous schoolboy known for his pranks and often vulgar jokes, became synonymous with Vitali.
These films, while dismissed by critics for their lowbrow humour and formulaic plots, were immensely popular with the Italian public, cementing Vitali’s status as a beloved comic actor.
As the 1980s progressed and the popularity of the genre waned, Vitali continued to make sporadic appearances in films and television shows, often as a nostalgic nod to his past.
