Biography

Franco Fabrizi

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Mr. Fabrizi was Italian actor best known for his performance as the lady-killer among a group of small-town youths in Federico Fellini's 'I Vitelloni'. Starting as a stage and variety revue actor in 1947, he broke into film in 1952 with Francesco De Roberti's 'Carica Eroica'. His role as a tireless philanderer became characteristic of his on-screen and off- screen persona. The actor was linked in the gossip columns of the dolce vita period to a long line of actresses and society doyennes. Though rarely cast in leading roles, Mr. Fabrizi appeared in about 150 films, usually playing superficial opportunistic sidekicks.
- IMDb mini biography by: Anonymous

Wide range of humorous expressions
His characters were often a satyrical representation of the habits of the Italians trying to keep up with times of economic boom
Often played cocky, opportunistic characters who had a natural aversion for hard, honest work and rather chose to live by their wits, generally conceiving schemes destined to backfire
Often played ladies' men who had the habit of treating their wives and lovers unfairly, although they would often reveal some redeeming qualities in the end
He was often cast by directors Federico Fellini, Pietro Germi and Gian Luigi Polidoro

Despite launching his film career with I Vitelloni (1953) and subsequently casting him in several of his movies, director Federico Fellini had the habit of having Fabrizi dubbed by other actors in most of their collaborations, as he used to do with the majority of his players. Franco reacted badly at Fellini's announcement that he would have him dubbed by actor Alberto Lionello in their final film together, Ginger & Fred (1986), but the director answered that he would've eventually been happy with the decision and his acting reputation would've further increased after the movie's release. Fabrizi won and was nominated for several awards for his performance.
His father, Eugenio Fabrizi, was a barber. His mother, Enrichetta Lippini, was a cashier at the Astra cinema.
Played the leading role in Gian Luigi Polidoro's Satyricon (1969), a rival project to the coeval Satyricon (1969). People argued the decision was determined by his disappointment for not having been called back by Federico Fellini for a long time.
He briefly worked as a fashion model in Milan before starting to work in cabaret as one of Vanda Osiris's male partners. He was also employed as an actor for photo story books during that period.
Fluent in French. He acted in several French features.

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