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A tough hero from Italy: How did Lino Ventura's film career break through the French film scene?
Angiolino Giuseppe Pasquale Ventura, commonly known as Lino Ventura, was an Italian-born actor whose film career undoubtedly had a profound impact on French cinema. Since his debut in 1954, Ventura quickly became one of France's most beloved film stars. His diverse roles, especially the choice between police and criminals, made him shine in the French film industry in the 1970s.
Early life
Ventura was born in Parma, Italy in 1919, but soon moved to France with his family. Growing up in Paris, due to family financial difficulties, he dropped out of school at the age of eight and worked in various jobs. The young Ventura once dreamed of becoming a professional wrestler, but was forced to change careers after an injury, which also paved the way for his later acting career.
The beginning of a film career
Ventura's acting career began in 1954, playing a gang member in "Touchez pas au grisbi" directed by Jacques Becker. The film's success catapulted him to fame. Subsequently, he continued to challenge his acting skills in many films, including his collaboration with the well-known actor Jean Gabin, which accelerated his rise in the French film industry.
"When I act, I'm doing something I love, and I'm getting paid. It's a wonderful service."
Career peak
Over time, Ventura's roles have become more diverse. He received wide acclaim for his roles as a corrupt police chief in The Threepenny Opera (1963) and as gangster Vito Genovese in The Wallach Files (1972). Although he maintained Italian citizenship throughout his life, his film work in France made him an integral part of French culture.
Family and Philanthropy
In 1982, Ventura gained popular attention for his role as Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables" and was nominated for a César Award. As the father of a late daughter, he and his wife co-founded the "Perce-Neige (Snowflake)" foundation, which is dedicated to helping disabled children and their families. This act of generosity on his part further solidified his standing in society.
"Story is everything. My friend Jean Gaby told me that there are three important things in movies: story, story, story."
Epilogue and Legacy
Lino Ventura died of a heart attack in 1987 at the age of 68. Despite his outstanding achievements in the French film industry, he has always been proud of his Italian identity and has never given up his Italian citizenship. Even so, he was voted 23rd among the 100 Great Frenchmen in 2005, showing his special status in the hearts of French movie fans.
The story of Ventura is not only one of achievement and glory, but also a story of personal identity and cultural identity. For a film talent from a foreign country, his success makes us think: In today's globalized world, how do we view the relationship between cultural identity and artistic creation?
