Giacomo Gilli, professionally known as Mimo Billi, was a renowned Italian actor whose life was marked by both artistic and military endeavors. Born in Imola in 1910, although some sources claim he was born in Bologna in 1915, Gilli spent his early years in a boarding school in Bergamo. As an adult, he relocated to Genoa and later to Rome, where he began to pursue his passion for acting.
In 1935, Gilli embarked on an exciting journey, traveling to Africa with his own theater company to perform in Abyssinia, Somalia, and Eritrea. This venture lasted for over a decade, until 1946. When World War II broke out, Gilli enlisted as a volunteer and was taken prisoner during the Battle of Agordat. After the war, he was finally able to return to Italy.
Gilli's acting career spanned over two decades, during which he appeared in numerous films, television dramas, and soap operas. Between 1950 and 1969, he played character roles in an impressive fifty films. His television credits include appearances in dramas, TV series, and original productions from 1962 to 1967.
In addition to his work in film and television, Gilli was also an accomplished stage actor. He starred in the drama "The Shifting Heart," directed by Leo McKern and featuring a talented cast, including Clelia Matania, Adrienne Corri, Kenneth J. Warren, and others. In 1961, Gilli was part of the ensemble cast for the production of "Teresa Desqueiroux," a drama based on the novel by François Mauriac, directed by Giorgio Albertazzi.
Throughout his life, Gilli's passion for acting and his ability to adapt to various roles made him a respected figure in the Italian entertainment industry.
