Lino Banfi, a highly acclaimed Italian actor, was born in the picturesque Apulian city of Andria, where he initially spent the early years of his life before relocating to the charming town of Canosa di Puglia at the tender age of three. This significant move would have a profound impact on his future trajectory, ultimately propelling him to become one of the most renowned and beloved actors in the realm of Italian "sexy comedies" during the 1970s. As the 1980s began, Banfi's fame reached its zenith, with starring roles in a string of box office hits, including the iconic films "L'allenatore nel pallone", "Vieni avanti cretino", "Il commissario Lo Gatto", and "Occhio, Malocchio, prezzemolo e finocchio". His impressive and extensive resume would later be capped off by his memorable portrayal of Grandpa Libero in the highly popular Italian television series "Un medico in famiglia".
Notable throughout the extensive body of work by Banfi was the singular peculiarity of his characters' speech patterns, wherein almost every single one of them would adopt the distinctive pronunciation of the Bari dialect. This remarkable attribute would ultimately become an inseparable component of his on-screen persona, making a lasting and profound impact on the viewing public.
Walter F. Banfi, a renowned figure, has been blessed with a loving and enduring marriage to his wife Lucia, a union that has stood the test of time, spanning an impressive five decades, from 1962 to the present day.
This remarkable partnership has been fruitful, yielding two beautiful children, Walter and Rosanna, who have grown up under the loving guidance of their parents. Interestingly, Rosanna, the younger sibling, would go on to follow in her father's illustrious footsteps, carving out a successful career in the world of acting.
In recognition of his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to philanthropic causes, Banfi was honored with the prestigious title of Goodwill Ambassador for the Italian National Committee for UNICEF in the year 2000. This esteemed appointment serves as a testament to his dedication to making a positive impact on the world, and his enduring legacy continues to inspire and motivate others to follow in his footsteps.
