Vittorio Caprioli, a celebrated Italian film actor, director, and screenwriter of great renown, entered this world on the fifteenth day of August, 1921, in the vibrant city of Naples, Italy, and sadly departed from our mortal coil on the second day of October, 1989, at the ripe old age of sixty-eight.
Throughout his illustrious career, which spanned an impressive four decades, he had the distinction of appearing in a staggering one hundred and nine films, a testament to his versatility and enduring talent. The majority of his film credits can be attributed to French productions, a reflection of his close professional relationships with the French film industry.
Noted Italian actor, Caprioli, embarked on his illustrious stage career in 1942, having completed his formal education at the prestigious Accademia Nazionale di Arte Drammatica Silvio D'Amico in Rome, a renowned institution for the arts. He initially gained experience with the esteemed Carli-Racca company, before going on to collaborate with the prominent Italian public broadcaster, RAI, where he played a significant role in the creation of engaging magazine and variety programs, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and versatile performer.
Notably, in the year 1948, Caprioli embarked on a significant career milestone by joining the esteemed Piccolo theatre in Milan, where he had the privilege of working under the visionary direction of the renowned Giorgio Strehler in a production of William Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, The Tempest.
The following year, 1949, proved to be another pivotal moment in Caprioli's burgeoning career, as he was entrusted with a role in the captivating Neapolitan Carosello musical theatrical work, skillfully directed by the illustrious Ettore Giannini.
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Biography:
Giorgio Strehler (1921-1997) was an Italian theatre director, actor, and playwright. He was one of the most important figures in Italian theatre in the 20th century, known for his innovative and avant-garde productions.
Noted Italian actor, Caprioli, demonstrated an impressive range in his craft, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Teatro dei Gobbi in 1950, a collaborative venture alongside the esteemed Alberto Bonucci and the talented Franca Valeri. This innovative theatrical endeavor was characterized by a subtle yet piercing satirical tone, which captivated audiences and set it apart from other productions of its time.
In his personal life, Caprioli tied the knot with his talented co-founder and fellow actress, Franca Valeri, in 1960. Together, they presented a series of plays, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and artistic synergy. Unfortunately, their union came to an end with a divorce in 1974, marking a significant turning point in Caprioli's life and career.
Notable character actor, Caprioli, embarked on his directorial journey in 1961 with the film "Lions In the Sun", a cinematic masterpiece that was later deemed worthy of preservation, earning a spot on the prestigious list of the 100 Italian films to be saved.
He continued to hone his skills behind the camera, going on to direct "Paris, My Love", a romantic drama that showcased his ability to craft compelling narratives.
Furthermore, Caprioli's segment in "I cuori infranti" was featured as part of a retrospective on Italian comedy at the 67th Venice International Film Festival, a testament to his talent and influence in the world of comedy.
Italian actor and stage performer, Caprioli, whose career flourished throughout the 20th century, ultimately culminated in the 1970 cinematic masterpiece, widely regarded as his magnum opus. Concurrently, he continued to tread the boards of the theatre, where his artistic journey initially began in the late 1950s.
Despite his presence in television, a medium he entered in 1959, Caprioli never truly felt at home on the small screen. He lamented the absence of a live audience, a crucial component he believed was essential to the overall performance.
During the tumultuous decade of the 1960s, Vittorio Caprioli embarked on an acting career, landing a notable role in the film "Village Wooing," masterfully directed by the renowned Antonello Falqui.
In the early 1970s, Caprioli's creative endeavors took a new turn, as he was irresistibly drawn to the world of television, where he had the opportunity to showcase his multifaceted talents by writing and starring in his own television variety show, aptly titled "Una Serata con Vittorio Caprioli."
Mario Carotenuto and Caprioli shared the stage in Neil Simon's renowned comedy, The Sunshine Boys, marking a significant return to theater for the veteran actor in his later years.
Caprioli's illustrious career continued with notable performances, including the captivating portrayal of Don Marzio in Carlo Goldoni's timeless classic, Bottega del caffè.
The actor's repertoire also boasted the striking characterization of Capocomico in Luigi Pirandello's avant-garde masterpiece, Six Characters in Search of an Author.
Tragically, Caprioli's life was cut short at the age of 68, when he succumbed to a heart attack while rehearsing for an upcoming production of Napoli Milionaria at one of Naples' prestigious hotels.
