Goodbye to Gianfranco Barra, legendary character of our cinema

Italian cinema greets Gianfranco Barrawho died at 84 in his Rome. Born on April 5, 1940, Barra crossed decades of Italian film history, leaving an indelible mark like character versatile and reliable.

After studying at the Academy of Dramatic Art “Silvio D’Amico”, he made his debut in 1968 with The Mutua doctor by Luigi Zampa, next to Alberto Sordi. That initial role has opened the way to a career full of collaborations with some of the most important Italian directors. He worked with Nanni Loy in Detained awaiting judgment (1971), with Billy Wilder in What happened between my father and mother? (1972) and with Steno in different films, including The police thanks (1972), The policeman (1974) e Banana Joe (1982) alongside Bud Spencer.

His filmography includes over eighty titles, ranging between different genres. Unforgettable his interpretation in Bread and chocolate (1973) by Franco Brusati, where he joined Nino Manfredi In this bitter comedy on Italian emigration. In the 1980s, Barra became a family face in the comedies of the Vanzina brothers, participating in films such as Excezzziunale … really (1982) e Sea flavor (1983).

In addition to the cinema, it has had a significant television presence. Among his best known apparitions, the role of the mayor Bellucci in the series God sees and provides (1996), where he showed his ability to characterize complex characters with both comic and dramatic shades.

In the 90s and 2000, he continued to work in important productions, participating in films such as Mr. Ripley’s talent (1999) of Anthony Minghella And Heaven (2002) of Tom Tykwerdemonstrating a versatility that has allowed him to range between Italian and international productions.