Adalberto Maria Merli, a celebrated Italian thespian and voice actor of great renown, entered this world on January 14, 1938, in the eternal city of Rome, Italy. Throughout his illustrious and storied career, which has now spanned an impressive period of over five decades, Merli has had the privilege of gracing the silver screen and television sets with his presence, amassing a remarkable total of over 27 films since 1965.
Merli's ascent to stardom commenced in 1968 with the pivotal role in the RAI television series La freccia nera, thereby inaugurating a prolonged and illustrious television career that would span many years to come.
Following this breakout performance, Merli went on to secure additional prominent roles in notable TV series such as Le terre di Sacramento and E le stelle stanno a guardare, thereby further entrenching his status as a prominent and recognizable television personality.
Merli's cinematic journey began in 1971 with a pivotal role in Miklós Jancsó's thought-provoking drama film, La tecnica e il rito, marking the start of his illustrious career in the world of cinema.
As his reputation grew, Merli became an integral part of the "poliziottesco" genre, often assuming leading roles that showcased his remarkable range as an actor. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from drama to action, and from thriller to comedy, solidified his position as a highly respected figure within the Italian film industry.
Not only is Merli a talented individual with a wealth of experience in live-action films, but he has also demonstrated remarkable versatility as a voice actor. Throughout his career, he has had the esteemed privilege of lending his voice to a diverse array of Hollywood's most renowned and iconic actors, bringing their characters to life in a unique and captivating manner.
Notable among Merli's impressive repertoire of voice acting accomplishments is his impressive array of Italian-dubbed animation film roles. He has had the privilege of lending his voice to a diverse range of beloved characters, including the lovable yet intimidating James P. Sullivan in the critically acclaimed Monsters, Inc., the charismatic and powerful Mr. Incredible in the action-packed The Incredibles, the enigmatic and mysterious Spirit of the West in the quirky and entertaining Rango, and the kind-hearted and wise Pacha in the hilarious and heartwarming The Emperor's New Groove.
Merli's personal life, much like his professional trajectory, is replete with intriguing anecdotes and captivating details. One of the most notable aspects of his personal life is his romantic relationship with the talented Swedish actress, Eva Axén. This union has borne fruit in the form of a remarkable offspring, none other than the accomplished actress, Euridice Axén, who has undoubtedly inherited her parents' passion for the performing arts.
