Italy is famous for its excellent pasta, pizza, Ferraris, and fine art. But only a few can know some famous celebrities who were born in Italy. Here are some of the few world-renowned and famous celebrities who shaped entertainment.
Monica Bellucci – In real life, Hollywood actress Monica Anna Maria Bellucci was born in Città di Castello, Umbria, Italy. She started modeling in 1988 and became a featured model a year later. She first appeared on the cinema screen in Vita Coi Figli (Life with Children) as “Elda”, followed by numerous Italian films and some Hollywood films such as Tears of the Sun, two from 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. His father emigrated from Podargoni, a rural district of the city of Reggio Calabria, in southern Italy. He began singing at the age of 10 and worked as a singing waiter at numerous Italian restaurants in Queens, New York, where he was discovered by a record executive. His record albums generated worldwide hits such as “Cold, Cold Heart”, “Rags to Riches”, “I Left my heart in San Francisco”, among 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 Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver.
Al Pacino – Born Alfredo James Pacino, Al Pacino was raised in East Harlem, New York by his Italian parents. He worked as a messenger, janitor, and postal worker to finance his acting studies. Al Pacino was discovered by Francis Ford Coppola when he played a heroin addict in 1971’s “The Panic in Needle Park.” He played 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 leading a rock band called The Breakfast Club. She later led a band called Emmy that impressed a record producer and signed her as a pop 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.