Nini Salerno

Roberto Salerno, professionally known as Nini Salerno, is an Italian actor, director, singer, comedian, and cabaret performer. Born in Verona on October 8, 1948, he is connected to radio journalist Paolo Salerno and has a brother, Nicola Salerno, who is part of RADAR and NAD. He is married to Patrizia, whose influence inspired Francesco De Gregori's song 'Rimmel'. Salerno’s career began in 1971 when he became a founding member and participant of the Italian comedy and musical act I Gatti di Vicolo Miracoli.

I Gatti di Vicolo Miracoli formed in Verona in 1971, and Salerno remained with the group from that year until their disbandment in 1985. The group quickly gained prominence, performing at the Derby Club in Milan starting in 1971 and participating regularly in RAI variety shows from 1975. They released their debut album, 'I Gatti di Vicolo Miracoli', in 1972, and were directed in satirical and musical shows by Arturo Corso. Salerno also starred in the comedy films Arrivano i gatti and Una vacanza bestiale in 1980. The group achieved significant success with their hit song "Capito?" in 1979, which reached number four on the Italian charts. Following the departure of a member in 1981, the group continued as a trio.

After I Gatti di Vicolo Miracoli disbanded in 1985, Salerno continued to work extensively in cinema, television, and theater as an actor, director, and screenwriter. He directed the film Arrivano i miei in 1983 and appeared in films such as Un ufficiale non si arrende mai nemmeno di fronte all'evidenza (1973) and Secondo Ponzio Pilato (1987). Salerno has also appeared in numerous television series, including I ragazzi del muretto (1991), Il commissario Corso (1991), and Un medico in famiglia (1999-2000). He hosted or appeared on various TV shows throughout his career, including Quo vadiz? (1984), Un fantastico tragico venerdì (1986), Amici mostri (1993-1994), and was a regular guest on Buona Domenica (1998-1999). He occasionally reunited with I Gatti di Vicolo Miracoli for film, television, and stage appearances starting in 1997. Currently, Salerno is performing the role of Inspector Gordon in a theatrical adaptation of the TV series Colombo.

Salerno’s career extends beyond performance; he has also worked in commercial advertising, appearing in campaigns for Fiat 500X (2015) and Fiat 124 Spider (2016). In 1978, he adopted a two-year-old boy named Garvey Salerno from Martinica. His diverse body of work demonstrates his versatility as an entertainer and his enduring presence in Italian entertainment.