World’s Famous Italian Celebrities
Italy is famous for excellent pasta, pizza, Ferraris and fine arts. But only a few may know some famous celebrities that are born Italian. Here are some of the few famous and world renowned celebrities that shaped entertainment.
Monica Bellucci – In real life, Hollywood actress Monica Anna Maria Bellucci, was born in Citta di Castello, Umbria, Italy. She first started modeling in 1988 and became a prominent model a year after. She first appeared in the movie screen in Vita Coi Figli (Life with the Sons) as “Elda” followed by numerous Italian films and a few Hollywood movies such as Tears of the Sun, two of The Matrix series and the critically acclaimed The Passion of the Christ.
Tony Bennett – Popular Jazz singer Tony Bennett was born in Astoria, Queens, New York City. His father emigrated from Podargoni, a rural district of the southern Italian city of Reggio Calabria. He started singing at the age of 10, and worked as a singing waiter in numerous Italian restaurants in Queens, NY where he was discovered by a record executive. His record albums spawned worldwide hits such as “Cold, Cold Heart”, “Rags to Riches” “I Left my heart in San Francisco” amongst others.
Robert de Niro – Academy award winner for Best Actor Robert De Niro was born in New York City. De Niro’s father was of Italian and Irish descent. Robert de Niro is famous for his role as Vito Corleone in The Godfather II and as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver.
Al Pacino – Born Alfredo James Pacino, Al Pacino was raised in East Harlem, New York City by his Italian parents. He worked as a messenger boy, janitor and postal clerk in order to finance his acting studies. Al Pacino was discovered by Francis Ford Coppola when he played as a heroin addict in 1971’s “The Panic in the Needle Park”, he played as Michael Corleone in “The Godfather” which gave him his first Golden Globe award for Best Actor.
Madonna – Madonna Louise Ciccone was born in Bay City, Michigan. Her parents were of French and Italian descent. Madonna once worked as a waitress at Dunkin Donuts while fronting a rock band called The Breakfast Club. She later fronted a band named Emmy which impressed a record producer and signed up a deal as a pop music artist.
Other notable famous Italian celebrities are: Sophia Loren, Terence Hill, Bud Spencer, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Asia Argento, Enzo Ferrari, Ruggero Deodato and Al Capone.