Vittorio Gassman, born on September 1, 1922, in Genoa, was a renowned Italian actor and director, widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Italian cinema. His career spanned over five decades and encompassed a vast array of roles in film, theater, and television.
Gassman began his acting career in the 1940s, studying at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Rome before making his stage debut in Milan. He quickly gained attention for his remarkable talent and charisma, which led to his breakthrough in Italian neorealism cinema during the post-war period.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Gassman established himself as a leading figure in Italian cinema, collaborating with legendary directors such as Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti, and Mario Monicelli. His roles ranged from romantic leads to complex antiheroes, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards, including several David di Donatello and Nastro d'Argento awards, alongside the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.

He founded his own theater company in the 1950s, where he starred in acclaimed productions of plays by Shakespeare, Pirandello, and Chekhov. Beyond his acting prowess, Gassman was also known for his magnetic personality and off-screen charm, which endeared him to audiences worldwide.