Global Talent Directory

Comedians from Italy

The comedian directory of Italy — profiles, bios, photos, and social links for comedians from Italy.

136 comedians

Gianfranco D'Angelo

Gianfranco D'Angelo, born Gianfranco D'Angelo Manni on August 19, 1936, in Rome, Italy, was an Italian actor and comedian. He died in Rome on August 15, 2021, at the Gemelli Hospital, just days before his 85th birthday. Raised in the Esquilino neighborhood after losing his parents at age three, he was subsequently raised by his aunt and uncle. Following graduation in accounting, D'Angelo began his theatrical career in 1963 as an actor in the satirical play 'I Teleselettivi'. D'Angelo’s professional comedy career commenced in the mid-1960s. He gained early success with the theatrical company Il Bagaglino and, alongside friends, co-founded the Teatro Cordino in Trastevere, where he performed plays written by Maurizio Costanzo. He also worked at the Teatro Puff in Rome from 1968 to 1970. His career significantly progressed in the mid-1970s, marked by appearances in several successful television variety shows including Mazzabubù, C'era una volta Roma, La Sberla, Drive In, Odiens, and Striscia la notizia. He appeared in the TV series 'La porta sul buio' in 1973, playing a police commissioner, and co-hosted 'Foto di gruppo' in 1974. From 1974 to 1982, D'Angelo was active in cinema, primarily appearing in ‘sexy comedies’ and B-movies. He played various roles, including a German archbishop in 'Alleluja brava gente' (1970), Professor Puntiglio in L'insegnante (1975), and appeared in Mondo Candido (1975). His film appearances continued into the 1980s, with roles in The Gorilla and Young, Beautiful... Probably Rich (1982) and Girls of Miss Italy (2002). He collaborated with directors Dino Risi and Bruno Corbucci and actors Alvaro Vitali and Nadia Cassini. From 1983 to 1988, he starred in the Italia 1 program 'Drive In', playing the character of Mr. Armando, and co-hosted the first season of 'Striscia la notizia' with Ezio Greggio in 1988. He also commentated on the Giro d'Italia cycling race in 1978 and 1979. D’Angelo authored a book titled 'Gianfranco D'Angelo racconta drive in'. He received four Telegatti awards and the Delfino d'oro for his career in 2001. In 2015, he appeared as a guest contestant on 'Italia's Got Talent', and toured theatrically in 2017 with the show 'Quattro donne e una canaglia'. A square at the Mediaset production center was named after him in September 2023. Colleagues like Barbara d’Urso, Antonio Ricci, and Paolo Ruffini remembered him fondly, highlighting his ability to make people laugh and his lasting impact on Italian entertainment.

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Gianluca Fubelli

Gianluca Fubelli, also known as Scintilla, is an Italian actor, comedian, and television host born in Rome on April 9, 1973. His career began in the 1990s with animation and entertainment work at tourist resorts from 1996 to 1999. He worked as a dental technician until he was 22 years old. In 1998, he co-founded the comedy group I Turbolenti with Gianluca Impastato, Stefano Vogogna, and Enzo Polidoro, and remained a member from 1998 to 2013. I Turbolenti achieved significant recognition, winning the Festival Nazionale del Cabaret in 2000 and receiving the Premio della Critica at the Premio Charlot in 2002. The group appeared on Colorado on Italia 1 from 2003 to 2013, contributing significantly to the show’s popularity. Gianluca Fubelli is known for iconic characters like Romolo Prinz and Giulio Cesare dei giorni nostri developed during his time on Colorado. He co-hosted Colorado from 2003 to 2019 and also hosted House of Gag from 2015 to 2017, and again in 2023. His comedic style combines irony, parody, and observations of daily life. Throughout his career, Fubelli has appeared in several films, including Eccezzziunale veramente - Capitolo secondo... me (2006), Area Paradiso (2012), L'ultimo crodino , and Tutto molto bello (2014). He has also participated in theatrical productions like Gli Artificieri (2004) and La bellezza non è tutto (2024). In 2011, he authored the comedic book Gaius Iulius Caesar. La vera storia di Giulio Cesare dittatore massimo! . He appeared on Enjoy - Ridere fa bene in 2020 and Back to School in 2022 and 2023, where he played an undisciplined teacher. In 2023, he married singer-songwriter Federica Camba, and they will participate in Pechino Express in 2025. He also performs a live show called La bellezza non è tutto , featuring improvisation and audience interaction.

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Giobbe Covatta

Italian entertainer Giobbe Covatta holds multiple roles, including stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and politician. Born Gianni Maria Covatta on June 11, 1956, in Taranto, Puglia, he moved with his family to Naples at age three. He began his comedy career under the stage name 'Giobbe' around 1977 at the Derby Club in Milan. Covatta worked as a sailing instructor and animator during summers and later opened a sailing school in Capo Vaticano, Calabria. The Maurizio Costanzo Show featured Covatta as a regular guest starting in 1990. His comedy sketches on the show were based on the Bible, inspiring his 1991 book Parola di Giobbe . This book, a revision of the Bible, sold over a million copies and had over thirty editions. He has published other books, including Pancreas , a parody of Edmondo De Amicis' Heart . Covatta made his television debut in 1987 on Odeon TV with 'Una notte all'Odeon,' and appeared on Rai 2 programs like 'Tiramisù' and 'Fate il vostro gioco' in 1988. He premiered the play Parabole Iperboli at the Ciak Theatre in Milan in 1991. In addition to his comedic work, Covatta has acted in various film, television, and theatrical productions; notable examples include 'Pacco, doppio pacco e contropaccotto' (1993) and 'Muzungu - Uomo bianco' (1999). He collaborated with Greenpeace in 1994 to create the show Aria Condizionata about whale conservation. In 2006, he was elected councilor for the Federation of the Greens party in Rome, receiving 3,586 votes. He later became the national spokesperson for the same party in 2015, though he claims he does not consider himself a politician. Covatta appeared on Zelig in 2007 and again in 2023 to celebrate its 30th anniversary, most recently appearing on Canale 5 on October 14, 2023 alongside Ale & Franz and Michelle Hunziker. He is married to Paola Catella, and they have a daughter named Olivia Covatta.

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Gioele Dix

Gioele Dix, born David Ottolenghi in Milan on January 3, 1956, is an Italian actor and comedian. He comes from a Jewish family and studied classical literature, graduating with a high school diploma. His theatrical career began in the late 1970s with Teatro degli Eguali, a Milanese cooperative. Early productions included plays like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', directed by Gabriele Salvatores, and 'A Martian in Rome', directed by Antonio Salines. He also performed in Molière’s 'The Imaginary Invalid' and 'Tartuffe' alongside Franco Parenti. Dix established himself as a solo comedian performing at Milanese cabarets Derby Club and Zelig, adopting the stage name Gioele Dix in 1987 after an audition with Gino e Michele and Giancarlo Bozzo. He gained widespread recognition in 1988 through the television show 'Cocco' on Rai 2, where he portrayed an ‘angry driver’ character. Throughout the 1990s, his performances extended to imitating soccer players, and he wrote and performed plays such as 'La mia patente non scade mai' (1988–89), 'Mai a stomaco vuoto' (1990), and 'Antologia di Edipo' (1991–92). He also appeared in television series including 'Tre passi nel delitto' (1993), 'Olimpo Lupo' (1995), and 'Uno di noi' (1996). Dix’s work encompasses film, television, and literature. He starred in films like 'Cuori pazzi' (2000) and 'The Libertine' (2001), famously performing nude on stage, marking a first for Italian actors. He also appeared in 'Corto Maltese' (2003–04) and other films such as 'Se fossi in te' (2004) and 'Ora e per sempre' (2004). Dix has authored several comedic books including 'Il manuale del vero automobilista' (1991), 'Cinque Dix' (1995), 'La Bibbia ha quasi sempre ragione' (2003), and 'Manuale dell’automobilista incazzato' (2007). From 2007 to 2017, he frequently appeared on Zelig, also staging 'Tutta colpa di Garibaldi' in 2008 and directing plays like 'Dixplay' in 2008. He directed 'Oblivion Show' for the Oblivion group, touring Italy from 2009 to 2014. More recently, he hosted ‘Giovedix letterari’ at the Teatro Franco Parenti from 2014 to 2017 and performed 'Il malato immaginario' from 2015 to 2017.

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Giovanni Esposito

Giovanni Esposito, attore italiano noto anche come comico e cabarettista, si esibisce sia sul palco teatrale che sul grande schermo e nella programmazione televisiva.

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Isa Bellini

Isa Bellini, born Isabella Calò on June 19, 1922, in Mantua, Italy, was an Italian entertainer with a career spanning from 1941 to 1997. Her father was from Puglia and her mother was from Lombardy. She emigrated to France at age seven and resided there for roughly a decade until the onset of World War II. Bellini’s work encompassed various genres, including comedy, drama, comedy-drama, music, and romance, with subgenres like musical and romantic comedy. She died in Rome on February 5, 2021, at the age of 98. Bellini began her career in theatre during and shortly after World War II, performing alongside artists such as Totò, Renato Rascel, Walter Chiari, and Umberto Spadaro. In 1940, she participated in a national singing contest and subsequently joined the EIAR (Italian Radio Broadcasting Corporation) singers. She adopted the stage name Isa Bellini, partly to avoid issues related to her family name during the era of racial laws. She recorded several 78 rpm records in 1940, including 'Chi Lo Sa' with the Eiar Orchestra. She also performed as a singer both solo and with the Trio Primavera, featuring Thea Prandi and Wilma Mangini; the trio appeared in the 1941 film L’allegro fantasma alongside Totò. Bellini won a national singing contest and worked with EIAR as a solo singer and member of 'Trio Primavera'. Bellini gained popularity in the 1950s as a radio personality, appearing on programs like Il motivo in maschera (1954) alongside Mike Bongiorno and Lelio Luttazzi, and Il labirinto (1956) with Nino Manfredi. She made her television debut in 1954 with Italia. Nati per la musica . Her film appearances included Una famiglia impossibile (1940), The Happy Ghost (1941), Without Family (1972), Love and Anarchy (1973), and Camere da letto (1997). She also voiced characters in several animated films, notably Mrs. Featherby in DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp , Aunt Sarah in Lady and the Tramp , and a character in Pinocchio . Bellini’s work as a voice actress included dubbing for actresses like Katharine Hepburn, Maggie Smith, Shelley Winters, Joan Plowright, and Angela Lansbury.

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Jimmy il Fenomeno

Luigi Origene Soffrano, conosciuto artisticamente come Jimmy il Fenomeno, è stato un attore italiano che si è distinto per i suoi ruoli di supporto nel cinema nazionale.

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Lino Toffolo

Born in Murano on December 30, 1934, Lino Toffolo was an Italian who worked as a television presenter, author, singer-songwriter and actor. His family belonged to the working-class and had roots in the local artisan community, with his father being a glassblower (maestro vetraio). He emerged as a prominent figure in Italian entertainment during the mid-20th century, and his career spanned over five decades. Toffolo began composing songs in Venetian dialect in the 1950s. His early success came at the Derby Club in Milan starting in 1963, where he performed a character portraying a drunk Venetian alongside other rising comedians like Enzo Jannacci. He debuted in cinema in 1968 under Lina Wertmüller and appeared in 24 films between 1968 and 1978, collaborating with directors such as Dino Risi and Mario Monicelli. Notable film roles included Panigotto in Brancaleone at the Crusades (1970) and Arturo Canestrari in L'inquilina del piano di sopra (1978). He also appeared uncredited as an extra in I Vitelloni in 1953. Throughout his career, Toffolo released three music albums and several singles. His song "Johnny Bassotto," written by Bruno Lauzi and Pippo Caruso, reached second place on the Italian Hit Parade in 1972 and served as the theme song for a television program. Toffolo penned *A Gratis* and *A Ramengo*, alongside the plays *Fisimat* and *Gelati caldi*. From 1960 to 1965, he was part of the 'Compagnia dei Delfini' in Venice, composing stage music and songs. Toffolo’s creative output portrayed the everyday challenges, humor, and strength of common Italians.

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Luca Bizzarri

Luca Bizzarri, an Italian, works as an actor, comedian, and host on television and radio. Born in Genoa on July 13, 1971, he is the son of a vicebrigadiere in the Carabinieri. His career began in 1986 when he performed with the “Gilberto Govi” dialectal theater company at age 15. He graduated from the Teatro Stabile di Genova's acting school in 1994, completing 'Il suicida' as his final project and participating in productions of tragedies like 'Riccardo III', 'Amleto,' and 'Ivanov' during his studies. He met Paolo Kessisoglu during acting school auditions in 1991, leading to the formation of the comedy duo Luca e Paolo. Together, they co-founded the cabaret group 'I Cavalli Marci' in 1991 and later transitioned into a successful partnership. Their work includes appearances on television shows like Le Iene from 2001 to 2009 (with breaks), and starring roles in the sitcom Camera Café from 2003 to 2004. They also starred in the film E allora mambo! in 1999 and voiced characters in the Disney film Le follie dell'imperatore in 2001, demonstrating a versatility across various media. Luca e Paolo gained further recognition by co-hosting the Sanremo Music Festival in both 2011 and 2012. Throughout his career, Bizzarri has taken on various roles, including a term as president of the Palazzo Ducale Cultural Foundation in Genoa from 2017 until 2022. Bizzarri and Paolo Kessisoglu secured a notable win in 2023 by being crowned champions of the third season of LOL - Chi ride è fuori. He is currently returning to the stage with performances in Piedmont, including dates at the Teatro Maggiore di Verbania on October 19, 2026, and the Teatro Balbo di Canelli on October 20, 2026.

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Luca Laurenti

Luca Laurenti, a Roman entertainer who is also an actor, musician, comedian and television personality, entered the world on April 29, 1963. The Laurenti family’s origins are located in the Molise region of central Italy. Prior to launching his television career, Laurenti honed his skills by performing at piano bars in Rome, as well as entertaining guests at tourist resorts and other local establishments. Laurenti’s early work included appearances on shows like Provini and Dibattito! in 1988, and ‘Grandi sceneggiati’ with Gianni Ippoliti in 1987. He also worked at Radio Deejay and Capital radio stations. A significant part of Laurenti’s professional life has been defined by his partnership with Paolo Bonolis, a collaboration that started in 1991 following their initial meeting. Together, they have worked on numerous popular programs including Urka! Since 1990, Laurenti has participated in various broadcasts, notably Avanti un altro!, Il senso della vita, Ciao Darwin, and Chi ha incastrato Peter Pan? (since 2011). Their partnership has spanned nearly thirty years, with Laurenti often considered a co-protagonist alongside Bonolis. This artistic partnership includes appearances on shows such as ‘Tira e molla’ (1996-1997) and brief hosting duties on 'Striscia la Notizia' in 2000. He also co-hosted ‘Buona Domenica’ from 1997 to 2001, alongside various hosts. Luca Laurenti’s career extends beyond television. The actor appeared in films such as Don Luca c’è, Body Guards – Guardie del corpo, and I fobici (spanning 1998-1999); furthermore, he was a lead performer in Torino Boys during 1997. His work also includes voice acting for animated characters, notably voicing Stuart Little in 'Stuart Little' and 'Stuart Little 2' (2000-2001) and Raymond in Disney’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’ in 2009. Laurenti published an autobiographical book titled 'Ci fai o ci sei?' in May 2003. He is described as reserved, altruistic, generous, loyal, and sincere. He enjoys nature, the sea, and animals, including a wolfhound named Eros and a Siamese cat named Lilly, both of which he rescued. Laurenti has been married to Raffaella Ferrari since 1994 and they have a son named Andrea Laurenti, born in 1997. His estimated net worth is $3 million. He maintains an online presence with handles on Instagram (@lucalaurentiofficial) and Facebook (Luca Laurenti).

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Mago Forest

Michele Foresta, known professionally as Mago Forest, is an Italian who works as a comedian, television presenter, and actor. Born in Nicosia, Sicily on February 22, 1961, he has had a long and varied career in entertainment. He graduated with a diploma as an Accountant and Commercial Expert, demonstrating an early interest in structured fields before pursuing a creative path. Forest began his performance journey by studying acting at Maurizio Nichetti's school 'Quelli di Grock' in Milan. He participated in the quiz show Autostop in 1984 and subsequently started performing in cabaret shows in Milan, London, and Paris during this time, developing his stage persona, Mago Forest (also known as Mr. Forest). His television debut occurred in 1988 on Renzo Arbore's show Indietro tutta . He frequently collaborated with Nino Frassica in the early 1990s, appearing in shows like Grazie mille , Acqua calda , La grande sfida , and I cervelloni . He also appeared in the TV series Cri Cri from 1990 to 1991. Mago Forest gained wider recognition in the late 1990s through his appearances on the Mediaset comedy show Zelig , where he was a frequent guest from 1997 to 2001. He co-authored the comedic book Come diventare maghi in 15 minuti with Nino Frassica, published in 1996. From 2001 to 2009, he hosted Mai dire Maik and other shows within the Mai dire franchise, a collaboration with Gialappa's Band. He co-hosted the 2006 edition of Festivalbar alongside Cristina Chiabotto and Ilary Blasi. His comedy style is characterized by surrealism and nonsense. In 2022, he participated in and won the LOL Xmas Special , demonstrating his continued ability to entertain. He has since hosted GialappaShow (since 2023) and stars in Motel Forest (2024). He has also appeared in films, including Anni 90 - Parte II (1993), La grande prugna (1999), and Improvvisamente Natale (2022) and voiced Dr. Neo Cortex in the Crash Bandicoot video games.

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Marco Marzocca

Marco Marzocca is an Italian actor and comedian, born in Rome on September 14, 1962. He is also an imitator, demonstrating versatility within the entertainment industry. Initially, he pursued a career in pharmacy, graduating from La Sapienza University and passing the state exam. For several years, he continued to work at his family pharmacy even as his television career began to develop. He worked as a pharmacist until 1994, when he transitioned into television. Marzocca’s comedy journey took off in 1994 when he started collaborating with Corrado Guzzanti. This partnership led to appearances in various television programs, including Il caso Scrafoglia and Tunnel . During Il caso Scrafoglia , he created the character Ariel, a caricature of a Filipino domestic worker, which became one of his most recognizable roles. Ariel was reprised in subsequent shows like Bulldozer and Zelig from 2006 to 2013. He also appeared in other programs such as L'ottavo nano and participated in theatrical productions with Guzzanti, including 'Millenovecentonovantadieci', '...la seconda che hai detto!', and 'Recital'. His acting credits extend beyond comedy; he played Ugo Lombardi in the TV series Distretto di Polizia , a role he maintained for all 11 seasons, from 2000 to 2012, gaining significant television success. Marzocca’s career has continued with diverse roles. He portrayed Father Negoziante in the Rai 1 series Raccontami from 2006 to 2008, and was part of the cast of Bulldozer from 2005 to 2006. In 2003, he participated in Raiot - Armi di distrazione di massa . Since 2011, he has appeared in numerous TIM commercials alongside Bianca Balti and Neri Marcorè. He returned to Zelig in November 2021 after an eight-year absence, and is scheduled to return again in 2026 for the program's thirtieth anniversary. He maintains an official website. In 2000, he married Liliana Bula Ferrer and has three children; he incorporated aspects of this personal life into his portrayal of Ugo Lombardi in Distretto di Polizia .

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