Antonio Rocco Papaleo was born in Lauria, Basilicata, and later moved to Rome to pursue his education and early career in the entertainment industry. He initially started as a cabaret performer, comedian, theatre actor, singer, and musician, eventually expanding his career to include over 60 films and TV series, as well as over 30 plays.
Papaleo made his directorial debut in 2010 with the film "Basilicata Coast to Coast", a choral and musical comedy that received widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including the David di Donatello award, Nastro d'Argento, and Globo d'Oro for "Best Debut Director" in 2011.
He continued to direct films, including "Una piccola impresa meridionale" in 2013, which he co-wrote with Valter Lupo and co-starred in alongside other notable actors. The film's soundtrack, composed by Rita Marcotulli and Papaleo himself, won several awards.
In 2016, Papaleo directed "Onda su Onda", which was shot in Uruguay and starred Papaleo alongside other notable actors. His most recent film as a director is "Scordato", released in 2023, which he co-wrote with Valter Lupo and stars in alongside other actors.
As a musician and singer, Papaleo has released two albums: "Che non si sappia in giro" in 1997 and "La mia parte imperfetta" in 2012. He has also toured Italy with theatre-song performances, including "Buena Onda", "Piccola impresa meridionale", and "Coast to coast".
Papaleo has also had a successful theatrical career, participating in numerous productions, including "Un aria di famiglia", "Eduardo al Kursal", "Eduardo più unico che raro", "Peachum", and "L'ispettore generale".
In addition to his work in film and theatre, Papaleo has also had a television career, presenting the Sanremo Festival, appearing on "Zelig", "DopoFestival", and "Maledetti amici miei", and hosting other television shows.
