Gene Rizzi was born Eugenio Valentino Rizzi on April 1, 1913, in the small, secluded village of Tret, Austria, which is now located in Italy, nestled in the Italian Alps. His father, whose name is not mentioned, had passed away seven months prior to Gene's birth, after returning to Austria from the United States. Gene's mother, Anna Maria Flor, was left to raise him and his three siblings on her own, and she eventually relocated the family to Rock Springs, Wyoming, where the Rizzi family had originally established a sheep ranching business.
As a young boy, Gene traveled frequently between Europe and the United States, and he eventually settled in Vienna, Austria, where he attended the prestigious Music Conservatory of Vienna as a violin student. After graduating from the conservatory, Gene began a career as a professional concert violinist, performing in Europe before eventually returning to the United States.
Gene's decision to leave professional music behind was influenced by the Great Depression, which had just reached its peak, and the brighter future that lay ahead in Hollywood. He began his acting career playing tough guys and thugs due to his rugged good looks, and he appeared in numerous feature films, serials, and shorts.
Some of Gene's notable film roles include playing the stranger in The Outlaw (1943),the young tough who discovers to his regret that his draw is not as quick as Billy the Kid's, and "Corey" in The Green Hornet (1940) serial. He also appeared alongside Tyrone Power in Crash Dive (1943),in which his character was named Rizzi.
Gene's film career spanned a range of genres, including Westerns, dramas, and comedies. He appeared in films such as Ten Gentlemen from West Point (1942),which showcased his abilities as a violinist, and To Be or Not to Be (1942),in which he had an uncredited role and uttered the Polish RAF pilot's simple pensive line, "Warsaw!"
Gene's military service during World War II was marked by his service with the 396th Signal Corps in China, where he served with distinction. After the war, he left the film industry to devote himself to his new wife and future family.
On July 12, 1947, Gene married Barbara Lee Allen in North Hollywood, California, and the couple went on to have three children in 1948, 1951, and 1952. Gene never spoke publicly about his film career, and even his grandchildren could recognize his distinctive voice from old Saturday afternoon replays of his movies.
Gene Rizzi passed away on July 24, 2001, leaving behind a short but distinguished film legacy that was perhaps overshadowed by his commitment to his family. Throughout his life, Gene was first and foremost a devoted husband and father, and his true artistry was reflected in his relationships and his dedication to his loved ones.
