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.

Roberto Benigni

Acting Born October 27, 1952 Manciano La Misericordia, Castiglion Fiorentino, Arezzo, Italy

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

The Graham Norton Show

Self

Late Night with Conan O'Brien

Self - Guest

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Vivement dimanche

Self

Beckmann

Self

Wetten, dass..?

Self

The Oscars

Self

Sanremo Music Festival

Self - Special Guest

Sanremo Music Festival

Self - Host

Life Is Beautiful

Guido

HARDtalk

Ulisse - The Pleasure of Discovery

Self