Lamberto Maggiorani was born on August 28, 1909 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. But my mother wanted me to turn my tears into something else, something positive." They have two children. Antonio Arcidiacono is known for La Terra Trema (1948). The son of Italian theatre critic Antonio Cervi, Gino Cervi was one of the most famous Italian actors, first on stage, then on screen and finally on television. Adama Sanneh, 35, Co-Founder Moleskine Foundation, Senegalese-Italian. ", "I am Hollywood's, I guess you could say, acceptable version of a Black girl and that needs to change," she said. In an interview with Latina magazine, Plaza explained how she struggled with her identity, "I was winning the diversity awards and people were always calling bullshit on me. He was an actor, known for Nights of Cabiria (1957), The Bandit (1946) and Opfergang einer Mutter (1950). Thats my persona. The young Gina did some Nanni Moretti was born on the 19th of August, 1953. He died on May 6, 2018 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. Mariangela Melato was born on September 19, 1941 in Milan, Lombardy, Italy. JordanHow can people in and outside of your national community do better to respect and understand the culture of others? He was an actor and writer, known for Between Miracles (1971), Bread and Chocolate (1974) and Caf Express (1980). He has been married to Shalana Santana since December 3, 2022. Under the direction of Vittorio De Sica, Carlo Battisti left a remarkable mark in cinema history as the lead character in Umberto D. (1952), an Italian Neo-Realist classic about an elderly man who wanders through Rome with his dog Flike while trying to survive the Italy of post WWII. Im not even embracing it. Shakira. After Pagano's death, the character of Maciste was played by several other actors. She reached international popularity in the 1930s, especially in France, Germany and Austria, and became the only international movie star produced She was born in Viareggio (Tuscany, Italy) on June 5th, 1946. ", Golding expanded, saying, "Just because by blood I'm not full Asian doesn't mean I can't own my Asianness. He was previously married to Erminia Ferrari Manfredi. Hes a chief in Samoa, so he got that tattoo to commemorate it. . I had to pay my rent, and Hollywood is racist and wouldnt cast me with a last name that made them uncomfortable., Pete's mother is half-Black and his father is white, and he trended on Twitter in 2020 when a lot of people realized that he is biracial. He studied acting at the National Academy of Dramatic Arts, with Orazio Costa Giovangigli, and improved his training working with Dario Fo and Vittorio Gassman. It doesnt matter what the racial background of those mixed-nesses are. She took her shoes off at the door, and her grandparents lived with her always cooking. She was the daughter of a furniture manufacturer, and grew up in the pictorial mountain village. One of Italy's most captivating and talented cinematic comedy stars, Italian veteran Alberto Sordi was known for satirizing his country's social mores in pungent black comedies, farcical tales and grim drama. He died on September 12, 2022 in Rome, Italy. So every time it attempted to be brought up, it was always shut down. In what ways has that influenced you in your art and the way you work? He was an actor and writer, known for Orgoglio (2004), Biblioteca di Studio Uno (1964) and Nero Wolfe (1969). Apa is of Samoan, Scottish, English, and Irish heritage. ", He continued, "And I even remember, you know, when I was a kid that, you know, there was a, you know, every now and then you'd come upon somebody who would sort of question how I spoke, whether or not, you know, I was trying to be something I wasn't.". He is an actor, known for Il Divo (2008), Love and Bullets (2017) and Song of Napoli (2013). Because no one can see what we see and no one can grow up with what we grew up with. He was an actor and composer, known for The Overcoat (1952), Zodiac (2007) and The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1969). Famous People From Italy He debuted in films as an extra in Marionette (1939), then started working for the Italian Renato Salvatori was born on March 20, 1933 in Seravezza, Tuscany, Italy. ", Halsey is of Black, Italian, Hungarian, and Irish heritage. He was previously married to Annie Girardot. It just let me know, okay, this is how folks think. Paola AmayeborWhen a man like that is appointed, and he says the things he does, I cant help but feel isolated to an extent, where I feel less Italian and more African. She was previously married to Roberto Russo. Could you do it? AdamaI think whats currently happening is quite similar to whats happening to many other nations across the worldthe US, Brazil, etcetera. Michael Cappellin, 21, Poet Ethiopian-Italian. He is an actor, known for Letters to Juliet (2010), The Garden of the Finzi-Continis (1970) and That Most Important Thing: Love (1975). Gino Cervi was one of the most famous Italian actors, first on stage, then on screen and finally on television. Anyone else you'd hoped to see on this list? VheladeThe benefits are likely if youre a black artist rapper or an athlete. JordanWere there any moments or experiences you had as an Afro-Italian that discouraged you about the Italian culture? Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's mother is of Samoan heritage and his father is of Black Nova Scotian descent. He began working in theatre and television, where he was soon noticed as one of the most promising actors of his generation. He, along with peers Vittorio Gassman, Ugo Tognazzi and Nino Manfredi, arguably represent Fabio Testi was born on August 2, 1941 in Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Veneto, Italy. And I drew back: I was scared to open this Pandora's box of discrimination, so I sat stifled, swallowing my voice. He has been married to Elena Montagna since July 29, 1989. ", Zendaya is of Black, German, Irish, English, and Scottish heritage. In a 2017 interview with Teen Vogue, where she opened up about being biracial, Shahidi said, "Being. He was previously married to Annie Girardot. Its been a really interesting journey because I was always one of the only Black kids in any of my schools. He opened up about being mixed race in a 2018 interview with Bustle: "I felt like if you were an Asian mix, were you allowed to belong in any society or were you just meant to be on the outskirts? He died on January 14, 2016 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. How do you feel about it? She wasn't solely white nor was she born in Tasmania like actor Errol Flynn, as she told people. Gianni Di Gregorio was born on February 19, 1949 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. Sophia Loren is probably one of the most famous and successful actresses to come from Italy of all-time. In a 2019 interview with USA Today, Ross explained, "A mixed kid in America is a mixed kid in America. He was previously married to Erminia Ferrari Manfredi. In 2008 she began to exhibit her photography; in 2011 she was at the Biennale di Venezia, in 2014 her first solo Renato Rascel was born on April 27, 1912 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy. He died on September 17, 1999 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. He was increasingly drawn towards acting, and made his screen debut while still in his teens, joining a stage company in 1923. He was previously married to Giuditta Saltarini, Huguette Cartier and Tina De Mola. He debuted in films as an extra in Marionette (1939), then started working for the Italian Born in San Giorgio di Piano, Giulietta Masina spent part of her teenage years living with a widowed aunt in Rome, where she cultivated a passion for the theater and studied for a degree in Philosophy. His performance in Fellini's film I Remember (1973) was memorable. We are all unified in the similarities of the experience. Vito Annichiarico was born on February 26, 1934 in Grottaglie, Italy. I never really cared to have to identify one way or another. In Once Upon a Time in Giuseppe Ieracitano is known for The Stolen Children (1992), Falcone (1999) and Il piccolo lord (1996). Other famous actresses and celebrity women who are half Black include Vanessa Williams, Rashida Jones, and Lisa Bonet. Its also very important that [people] travel and see what else the world has to offer. He died on December 9, 1980 in Paris, France. JemOftentimes when I do my paintings and put them on display, people make an evident connection with my African heritage through my European-styled work. I dont even know!", "And then there was Other," she noted, "But I always said Asian for some wild reason, even though its a perfect 50/50. List of Italian-American actors - Wikipedia Each time it was always a matter and question of my skin colour, I had to give it up as a hobby because it really came to a point where it was no longer fun for me. He lives in Rome, where since he was a kid he devotes himself to his two passions: cinema and water-polo. Born in Palermo the son of a cinema projectionist, at 16 years old Buzzanca left the high school and moved to Rome to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Tell us about your own thoughts or experiences below! In a 2018 interview with The New Paper, Momoa talked about Aquaman's significance to mixed-race people, saying, "And honestly, to be the first mixed-race superhero in 2018 that is a huge honor. She won the Best Actress Award at the Venice Film Festival for Storia d'amore in 1986. Afro-Italians have made important strides across sport and pop culture. Memmo Carotenuto was born on July 24, 1908 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. "I identify as exactly what I am both. Vittorio De Sica was one of the leading Italian actors and directors from the 1940s until the 1970s. Roberto Herlitzka was born on October 2, 1937 in Turin, Piedmont, Italy. JordanYoure from both sides of two very different cultures. There was once a time in my life where I refused to accept either parts of myself. Youre in this gray zone, so you can pass for whatever the hell you want. But its not like that at all. He was previously married to Valentina Fortunato. AdamaWhen I was growing up, the concept of being Afro-Italian didnt even exist. In 1921 she married European nobleman and banker Alfred Cartier. Valerio Mastandrea was born on February 14, 1972 in Garbatella, Rome, Lazio, Italy. Its too often a case where people form opinions of others and culture based on what the media showcases instead of first hand experiences. She originally pursued a career in the legal profession. Seke, a 25-year-old who grew up in Padova to parents from Congo, is not a household name in Italy. Top 100 Italian Actors - IMDb Munn is of German, Irish, English, and Chinese heritage. She was an actress and writer, known for Flash Gordon (1980), Swept Away (1974) and Love & Anarchy (1973). He is an actor, known for Black Souls (2014), La velocit della luce (2007) and We Believed (2010). However, prior to that, to many of these people Im just African, and that to them that means I arrived on a boat and Im living with crazy people and have no food. He was an actor, known for The Star Maker (1995), Oltremare (1999) and Lamerica (1994). Lady Gaga & 9 Other Celebs Of Italian Descent - TheThings I cried all the time. He was an actor and director, known for The Godfather (1972), The Godfather Part III (1990) and Accattone (1961). He became famous to the TV audience between 1976 and 1979 with two TV programs "Non Stop" and "Luna Park". He debuted on stage in 1943 and soon felt home in all classical theatre works. He has been married to Susanna Biondo since June 14, 2003. He was appointed Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts Sergio Castellitto was born in Rome in 1953. He is an actor and assistant director, known for One Out of Two (2006), The Decameron (1971) and La Tosca (1973). Franco Citti was born on April 23, 1935 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. Gaetano Fernandez is known for Sicilian Ghost Story (2017). In Tell us what you think about this feature. JordanMany people still believe Afro-Italians dont exist. Having spent almost my entire life here, I personally identify more as Italian, but I could and would never deny my African background, as I see it as a huge plus in being unique. You know, I speak like my mom; I speak like, you know, like the whitest white dude; I speak like a Def Comedy Jam comedian doing an impression of a white guy. Elegant, urbane and well-spoken, Gabriele Ferzetti was one of Italy's most prominent international stars of the 1950's and 60's. Silvana Mangano Actress | Dune Silvana Mangano was born on April 21, 1930 in Rome, Italy and was raised in poverty during World War II. 1. He died on April 22, 1983 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. She is an actress and writer, known for L'Avventura (1960), Murmur of the Heart (1971) and Indian Summer (1972). He was an actor and director, known for Pugili (1995), Escalation (1968) and The Garden of the Finzi-Continis (1970). He was previously married to Antonella Lualdi. Red LongoYes of course, from what I can remember of when I was younger when I used to play football. In the beginning this was a bit fun but after a while you begin to notice that the toll it takes on you is the result of doubting your own identity. ", Meghan Markle is of Black, Dutch, English, and Irish heritage. Sophia Loren. Monica Vitti (born Maria Luisa Ceciarelli; 3 November 1931 - 2 February 2022) was an Italian actress who starred in several award-winning films directed by Michelangelo Antonioni during the 1960s. And that is me in a nutshell.". After several supporting appearances in Marcello Mastroianni was born in Fontana Liri, Italy in 1924, but soon his family moved to Turin and then Rome. Something for everyone interested in hair, makeup, style, and body positivity. During WW2 he was sent to a German prison camp, but he managed to escape and hide in Venice. In a 2020 interview with Vulture, Carey discussed her identity and experiences being mixed from childhood to stardom even singing her lifelong refrain, "I really have been like, Im mixed. ", He laughingly added, "It was always confusing on school questionnaires. Amidst a rise of ethno-nationalism, eight Italian artists of color fight against their erasure. In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Slash explained what his background means to him, saying, "Its never been part of my makeup, to be able to differentiate myself from anybody else because of color. Its a part of my Ethiopian name but also represents a color of the spectrum that was neither black or white, but red like the soil of Africa. In 1986 he collaborated with the Falso Movimento group, Monica Anna Maria Bellucci was born on September 30, 1964 in the Italian village of Citt di Castello, Umbria, the only child of Brunella Briganti and Pasquale Bellucci. JordanYoure from both sides of two very different cultures. He was an actor, known for Rocco and His Brothers (1960), The Leopard (1963) and Once Upon a Time in the West (1968). Simply because those are the parts of the culture which they appreciate and which benefit them. Giulio Brogi was born on May 13, 1931 in Verona, Veneto, Italy. Vote for Your Favourite Italian Actors 1 Michele Morrone (Actor, Model) 29 12 Birthdate: October 3, 1990 Sun Sign: Libra Birthplace: Bitonto, Italy He was an actor, known for Miracle in Milan (1951), Sotto il sole di Roma (1948) and Vent'anni (1949). When populists like these gain power, what happens is that certain attitudes connected to racism and prejudice become legitimised. Ten Italian American Stars You Don't Expect | ITALY Magazine Enzo Staiola was born on November 15, 1939 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. Especially because there are so many others who are just not being supported enough and not being given a platform. Vallanzasca - Gli angeli del male. Im a fusion between black and white, between pop and rock, between cultures between my Lebanese father and my mothers Spanish blood, the Colombian folklore and Arab dance I love, and American music. He died on March 27, 1988 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. He was an actor and writer, known for Life Is Beautiful (1997), Fate un bel sorriso (2000) and The Queen of the Pirates (1960). 8 Afro-Italian creatives share their struggle to be seen - Document Journal It feels as if everything is slowly regressing, its almost as if I didnt know many of the people I thought I did. But nor was it ever properly acknowledged as being racism irregardless, and passive-aggressive traces of it remain within and outside the Italian community. These 20 black actors have contributed much to the film industry, television, and theater; thanks to their spectacular acting skills. JordanWere there any experiences throughout your life as an Afro-Italian that left you feeling discouraged about the Italian culture? Several famous men are also half-Black. While Kidada spoke of identifying as Black as everyone perceives her to be Rashida elaborated: "I had no control over how I looked! For 10 years he Vittorio De Sica grew up in Naples, and started out as an office clerk in order to raise money to support his poor family. In a 2018 interview with the New York Times magazine, Rudolph recalled, "When I was a kid, and people would come up to me or stare at me because of my mom, I didnt like it. In 1946, at age 16, she won the Miss Rome beauty pageant and through this, she obtained role in a Maria Della Costa film. Stark had a pretty distinct goatee. They have one child. Her parents are the famous Diana Ross and Bob Ellis. He is an actor, known for Black Angel (2002), Black Journal (1977) and The Voyeur (1994). Denzel Washington. One of France's most beloved character stars from the 1950s through and including the 1980s was the Italian-born Lino Ventura. This fixed him to his Terence Hill was born as Mario Girotti on March 29, 1939 in Venice, Italy to a chemist. Enrico Lo Verso was born on January 18, 1964 in Palermo, Sicily, Italy. This makes me feel as if we have to try harder to prove ourselves. He appeared in his first play in 1924, a year after his father's death. I won the Hispanic teenager of the year and I felt terrible. After several supporting appearances in Lino Capolicchio was born on August 21, 1943 in Merano, Italy. Nanni Moretti was born on the 19th of August, 1953. The Greatest Italian Actors - The Famous People . Many, including Italians themselves, tend to think of a tanned caucasian, which might be accurate to a certain extent, but there are a vast number of subgroups under the Italian umbrella today. He was an actor and writer, known for Romance (1986), Vanit (1947) and I cadetti di Guascogna (1950). Today I feel guilty, knowing that because of the way our genes tumbled out, Kidada had to go through pain I didn't have to endure. My fathers a Russian Jew. ", If she could speak to her younger self, Bonet said she'd say, "Try not to internalize the disdain and hate that was projected onto me. Theres an abundance of wealth culturally and otherwise in Africa, but the media doesnt show that, in the same way there exists poverty in Italy, but the media chooses to highlight others aspects. In a 2018 interview with SheKnows, Teigen discussed her own childhood growing up mixed-race and her thoughts on her daughter Luna's experience, "I remember feeling confused when I grew up, filling out the forms on those standardized tests. Study now. The athletic Vallone, a former soccer player who often was compared to Burt Lancaster, was born Raffaele Vallone in 1916 in Tropea in Calabria, Italy, the son of a prominent lawyer and his aristocratic Gerlando Buzzanca, best known as Lando Buzzanca, is an Italian theatrical, film and television actor, whose career spanned over 55 years. For 10 years he Fabio Testi was born on August 2, 1941 in Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Veneto, Italy. He was honored twice off-Broadway with Distinguished Performance OBIE Award, first in 1960 for "Machinal" and again in 1969 for "Passing Through From Exotic Places." In 1969 he founded the group "I saraceni" (later renamed "La smorfia") with Enzo Decaro and Lello Arena. He died on February 18, 2002 in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna Sergio Rubini was born on December 21, 1959 in Grumo Appula, Puglia, Italy. Which is a hard thing to do. Black culture, to me, is so important and I identify with young Black women. But now Im at a place where Im like you know what? Since 2017 he's been married to the journalist Francesca Barra. "We're vastly too beautiful and too interesting for me to be the only representation of that. They have to stop being naive, and acknowledge that just because they dont understand or see it, does not mean it does not exist. I would be like, 'Oh, man, everybody gonna see my mom is white. In a 2017 interview with Teen Vogue, where she opened up about being biracial, Shahidi said, "Being someone that is half-Black and half-Iranian and proud of both sides, it gave me a community of people that identify as Blackish. He is an actor, known for Cos ridevano (1998), Hudson Hawk (1991) and Captain Alatriste: The Spanish Musketeer (2006). ", She then expanded, "There werent a lot of people who were even allowed to represent for our culture, being from the East. He died on February 19, 2019 in Negrar, Veneto, Italy. Paolo Villaggio was born on December 30, 1932 in Genoa, Liguria, Italy. I represent young Black women, and Im proud of that. However, when Italy invaded Ethiopia in the 1930s, led by Hitler-like Fascist leader Benito Mussolini, it notably became an issue to be black. And I was an only child being raised by a single mother. In 1977 Servillo founded the Teatro Studio in Caserta for whom he directed 'Propaganda' (1979), 'Norma' (1982), 'Billy il bugiardo' (1983) and 'Guernica' (1985), amongst others. I smiled meekly, waiting for what could possibly come out of her pursed lips next. My moms Bahamian. His mother was German, and as a child the family lived near Dresden, Saxony, Germany where they survived the Allied bombings of World War II. Ivano Marescotti was born on February 4, 1946 in Villanova di Bagnacavallo, Italy. He studied acting at the National Academy of Dramatic Arts, with Orazio Costa Giovangigli, and improved his training working with Dario Fo and Vittorio Gassman. Jordan AndersonWere there any moments or experiences you had as an Afro-Italian that discouraged you about the Italian culture? Us of African descent have to gain a complete understanding that what we have and who we are is something to be treasured and nurtured, and more importantly, fed constantly with knowledge. He is an actor, known for The Exterminators of the Year 3000 (1983), City of the Living Dead (1980) and Classe di ferro (1989). Jem PerucchiniFor me, it means having the opportunity to mix two different cultures. He was previously married to Irene Genna. Destined to be called "The Most Beautiful Woman in the World", Gina possibly had St. Brigid as part of her surname. JordanHow can non-people of color, in and outside of your national community, do better to respect and understand the culture of others? Ive just been surrounded by the culture ever since I was a kid. And theres a lot of very archetypal experiences that we have that are the contradictions of these two heritages. He is an actor, known for Sono tornato (2018), The Predators (2020) and Governance (2021). He was known for Fantozzi: White Collar Blues (1975) (aka Fantozzi With his starring roles in two of the most popular foreign films of all time, Italian native Marco Leonardi has become one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actors. But I got to play it as someone who really is split between two worlds, and I am excited for the world to see it. If, tomorrow, I was to become a famous actress or singer, I would be proclaimed as only Italian. 2018 interview with the New York Times magazine, 2016 interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates for the Atlantic. Famous Movies: Antwone Fisher, The Book of Eli, Glory, Malcolm X, The Hurricane, Flight, The Equalizer. He published Mixed Feelings, a combination of poetry and interviews with other mixed-race individuals that focuses on self-identity, in 2019. He is known for his roles as Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station, Donnie Creed in Creed, and Erik Killmonger in Black Panther. He is an actor and writer, known for Life Is Beautiful (1997), The Tiger and the Snow (2005) and Down by Law (1986). ", Key elaborated, "My mom would come by my school to bring me lunch my mom is a cute, ruddy little white woman, and theres no category for that the kids dont know how to respond, and so they tease: That aint your mama! Why you talk white? Its not to say that every child in grade school talked to me that way, but thats what I remember., Tracee Ellis Ross is of Black and Jewish heritage. JordanAre there any advantages to being a person of color in a society and local industry that is predominantly caucasian? He was born at Basiliano, Friuli. Born in Savignano Irpino, Avellino, Carpentieri studied architecture in Naples, where from 1965 to 1974 he was engaged in the organization and promotion of cultural events with the group Nuova Cultura. 150 Famous Male Actors - List Challenges As Afro-Italians, its also important that we give our younger and older members of the community access to the knowledge available so they are allowed the tools to freedom of self and identity exploration. This is an Italian tv-series where one of the most outstanding of the young italian actors, Michele Rosiello is one of the main actors. I was nearly six feet tall by the time I was 11 years old. While attending the University of Perugia, she modeled on the side to Nicoletta Braschi was born on April 19, 1960 in Cesena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Search, watch, and cook every single Tasty recipe and video ever - all in one place! He is an actor and director, known for Dogman (2018), Asino vola (2015) and Il posto della felicit (2019). His acting career started when he was 15 in a theatre (Centro Teatro Spazio). Id get Oh, is your mom a nanny? Its like, No, fucker, but even if she was, do you know how hard that is? She is Lebanese on her dad's side and Colombian on her mother's side. In the creative industries and in general? 21 Mixed-Race Celebs Who Totally Rock Their Genes - Bright Side Salvatore Cascio was born on November 8, 1979 in Palazzo Adriano, Sicily, Italy. What am I? He is a writer and actor, known for Gomorrah (2008), Mid-August Lunch (2008) and Citizens of the World (2019). Reporting on what you care about. In 1986 he collaborated with the Falso Movimento group, Fabrizio Bentivoglio was born on January 4, 1957 in Milan, Lombardy, Italy. Although not much may have changed practically speaking, there is still a feeling of not being protected. He is an actor and producer, known for John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), Loose Cannons (2010) and Three Steps Over Heaven (2004). Sun Sign: Pisces. The notably gifted, multi-talented actor, chanteur, poet and painter Serge Reggiani was born in Reggio Emilia, a town in northern Italy, in 1922. I didnt always feel welcome in my moms family, in my school. In an article for Working Mother, she wrote, "I was a loner growing up. 20. In the creative industries and in general. He is an actor and writer, known for Human Capital (2013), Un eroe borghese (1995) and On Tour (1990). GermayI think it has to begin with ourselves. ", Henry Golding is of English and Malaysian heritage. ", She further elaborated, "I went to private schools full of white kids. By the late 1920s he was a successful matinee One of Italy's most captivating and talented cinematic comedy stars, Italian veteran Alberto Sordi was known for satirizing his country's social mores in pungent black comedies, farcical tales and grim drama. She was then cast by Germi for the Italian comedy "Divorzio all'Italiana", working Actor and director Toni Servillo was born in Afragola in 1959. Equally proud. How did this influence you growing up? In those days, black women went to the nunneries, and black men went to the army. I was reading Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and other Afro-American autobiographies, because that was the only language that was able to remotely recall my experiences in an uplifting way.