Global Talent Directory

Comedians Directory

Browse comedian profiles, biographical summaries, country of origin, and official links.

1588 comedians

Dario Vergassola

Dario Vergassola is an Italian entertainer with a diverse career spanning comedy, acting, writing, singing, and broadcasting. Born in La Spezia in 1957, he began his professional life as a factory worker before transitioning to the entertainment world. He first gained recognition in 1988 when he participated in 'Professione Comico,' securing both the audience and critic awards. Following this success, he appeared on 'Star 90' in 1989 and worked as a correspondent for 'Il TG delle vacanze' in 1991. Vergassola’s comedic style has been showcased across numerous Italian television programs. Throughout his career, Massimo Vergassola has been a regular comedic presence on television programs such as 'Maurizio Costanzo Show,' 'Zelig,' 'Mai dire Gol,' and 'Quelli che il calcio.' Furthermore, he served as either the host or a co-host for multiple shows, notably 'Bulldozer,' 'Kilimangiaro,' 'Sei in un Paese meraviglioso,' and he spearheaded two iterations of the 'Concerto del Primo Maggio' in both 2014 and 2015. Vergassola’s work as an actor encompasses repeated appearances as Erminio in 'Dio vede e provvede' and as Pippo Santi in 'Carabinieri.' His musical output features studio albums, namely 'Manovale gentiluomo' (1992) and 'Lunga vita ai pelandroni' (1999), and the single “Mario (Marta),” which secured victory at the Festival di Sanscemo in 1992. Beyond television and music, Vergassola has established himself as an author. He has published several books with prominent Italian publishers like Mondadori, Feltrinelli, and Baldini & Castoldi, including a book titled 'Lunga vita ai pelandroni' in 2000 and his first novel, 'La ballata delle acciughe,' in 2014. His collaborations include co-authoring and starring in the show 'Tenera è la notte' in 1996 and touring with 'Bimbi belli' alongside Stefano Nosei starting in 1993. In 2013, he created a YouTube video supporting LGBTQ+ adolescents. Currently, he is scheduled to return to 'Zelig' in 2026 for its 30th anniversary, continuing his long and varied career in Italian entertainment.

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Diego Bianchi

Diego Bianchi è un conduttore televisivo, giornalista, ex blogger e YouTuber italiano. Ha spesso operato con lo pseudonimo Zoro e, tra le sue varie attività, è noto per aver presentato il programma televisivo Propaganda Live.

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Duilio Pizzocchi

Duilio Pizzocchi, whose real name is Maurizio Pagliari, is an Italian comedian and cabaret performer born in Bologna in 1957. From a young age, he demonstrated a talent for jokes and entertainment. He began his career at the age of twenty, appearing on radio and television programs within the Emilia-Romagna region. This early period saw the development of several characters that would become central to his comedic persona, including the Ferrarese painter "Duilio Pizzocchi," which would eventually become his stage name, and “Cactus,” a character popular in the 1980s known for seeking loans and illicit goods. Pizzocchi’s comedy style is characterized by a diverse range of characters, each with distinct personalities and quirks. Alongside "Duilio Pizzocchi" and "Cactus," he created "Ermete Bottazzi," a truck driver who debuted in the early 1990s, as well as "Donna Zobeide," a fortune teller parody that gained popularity through radio broadcasts, and "La Novella," an acerbic old woman who later transitioned to stage performances. Other notable characters include "Eddy Collante," "Stefano Pedrazzi," and "Mefistocchi." Starting in 1983, he began appearing on television in local Emilia-Romagna broadcasts, further refining these characters. Throughout his career, Pizzocchi has explored various avenues of performance. From 1988, he pursued a full-time cabaret career, performing in theaters, conventions, and festivals. He co-founded the touring show Costipanzo Show with Andrea Sasdelli (Giuseppe Giacobazzi) in 1992, which continues to run. He has also appeared in numerous films including Consigli per gli acquisti (1997), Baciato dalla fortuna (2011), and Volevo nascondermi (2020). His television appearances include shows like Zelig, the Maurizio Costanzo Show, and Quelli che... il calcio. He hosted the radio program Il mani-comico with Giacobazzi from 2005 to 2026 on Radio Italia Anni 60, and currently hosts "Il Manicomico" on Radio Italia Anni 60 Emilia Romagna, airing Monday through Saturday. He published the book of stories Fuori scena. Risate a sipario chiuso in 2020, and co-authored Quel tesoro di mio figlio with Giuseppe Giacobazzi in 2009. Pizzocchi also works as an American football sports commentator.

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Enzo Iacchetti

Vincenzo Iacchetti, known professionally as Enzo Iacchetti, is an Italian entertainer with a diverse career spanning stand-up comedy, acting, television presenting, and singing. Born on August 31, 1952, in Castelleone, he spent his childhood in Maccagno, Varese province. His parents were Antonio (1918-1975) and Maria (1926-2016). Early influences included Adriano Celentano, Giorgio Gaber, and Enzo Jannacci, inspiring him to begin performing at the oratory theater. Iacchetti’s professional journey began with appearances at pizzerias and restaurants for events like baptisms and weddings. He studied accounting but did not pursue it as a career, instead engaging in political activism as a communist and even serving as an elected town councilor in 1971. From 1976 to 1978, he worked as a border worker for Globus travel agency in Lugano. In 1978, he took on the role of programmer and interviewer for Radio Tresa, handling all programming duties. His comedy career gained momentum in late 1978 when he started performing at the Derby Club in Milan alongside other comedians like Francesco Salvi, Giorgio Faletti, Walter Valdi, Giobbe Covatta, Malandrino e Veronica, and I Gatti di Vicolo Miracoli, a collaboration that continued until 1985. Iacchetti’s television debut occurred in 1981 on Il Sabato dello Zecchino. He achieved widespread popularity in the early 1990s through appearances on the Maurizio Costanzo Show, where he became known for his distinctive 'bonsai' songs—short, surrealistic, and often nonsensical compositions. In 1991, he released an album featuring these poems and songs. From 1994 until 2026, he co-hosted the popular television program Striscia la notizia with Ezio Greggio. His work extends beyond television; he starred as the lead actor in the film Come quando fuori piove in 1995 and has appeared in numerous other shows for Rai, Mediaset, and Telemontecarlo. He also lent his voice to an amnesiac SpongeBob SquarePants in 2009. Iacchetti’s commitment to his craft is demonstrated by his continued appearances on television and stage, including hosting Velone in 2010 and receiving the 'Riccio d'argento' award in 2010 for his show Chiedo scusa al signor Gaber, an album featuring covers of Giorgio Gaber songs released in 2009.

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Enzo Maggio

Enzo Maggio, born Vincenzo Maggio on October 10, 1902, in Naples, Italy, was an Italian actor and comedian. He came from a large family of performers; he had twelve siblings, and his parents were also involved in the arts. His father, Domenico Maggio, was an actor, singer, and theater director known for pioneering Neapolitan sceneggiata performances. Enzo Maggio died in Naples on July 13, 1978, at the age of 75. Maggio’s career began in theater, with training through an apprenticeship in avanspettacolo theaters before and during World War II. He specialized in macchiette performances, focusing on mime, character work, and comedic timing. He was known for his impersonations, particularly that of the comedian Larry Semon (Ridolini). He frequently performed on stage with his siblings Dante, Beniamino, Pupella, and Rosalia Maggio, often in Neapolitan comedic productions. His artistic training primarily occurred on stage. After the war, Maggio shifted his focus to a prolific cinema career, often playing character roles. He made his film debut in 1950 with Ã arrivato il cavaliere! and Vita da cani . He appeared in over 40 films, including Lo sceicco bianco (1952) directed by Federico Fellini, Totò a colori (1952), and Ulisse (1954). He also collaborated with Totò in La banda degli onesti (1956), and participated in theatrical productions like Napoletani a Napoli (1955-1956) and La Venere coi baffi (1956-1957). Critics described his comedic style as spontaneous and caricaturistic, typical of good Neapolitan actors. He appeared in films directed by Mario Monicelli, Steno, Aldo Fabrizi, Giuseppe De Santis, Mario Mattoli, and Renato Rascel. His final film was Dino Risi's Primo amore (1978), released posthumously.

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Enzo Salvi

Enzo Salvi is a versatile and brilliant Italian actor, screenwriter, and comedian. Born Vincenzo Salvi on August 16, 1963, in Rome, Italy, he grew up in the Ostia district. His parents are Antonio Salvi (Tony) and Bruna Brunori. He graduated as a horticultural expert from an agricultural institute and initially worked as a municipal gardener. Salvi began his career as a cabaret performer and entertainer. Colleagues encouraged him to pursue this path due to his quick wit. He debuted in theater in 1990 with Plauto's Miles gloriosus . In 1991, he co-founded the comedy duo “MAMMAMIA CHE IMPRESSIONE” with Mariano D’Angelo, which has performed numerous sold-out shows since then and won the critics' and audience award at the Comic Festival Nazionale in 1993. He is known for the character nicknamed 'Er Cipolla' (The Onion), inspired by a drug addict he encountered while waiting for his girlfriend. He has performed comedies such as Balle di Natale , Fiumi di forfora , and A qualcuno piace Carlo . Salvi's film career began in 1999 with Vacanze di Natale 2000 , followed by appearances in Body Guards (2000), Merry Christmas (2001), Natale sul Nilo (2002), Natale in India (2003), Le barzellette (2004), and Il ritorno del Monnezza (2005). He also appeared in the television series Domani è un'altra truffa (2006) and participated in Notti sul ghiaccio (2006). Salvi’s work has involved collaborations with Biagio Izzo and Massimo Boldi, and he featured in comedic films under the direction of Carlo Vanzina. He frequently performs at events and gatherings and collaborates with Christian De Sica and Massimo Boldi in annual Christmas blockbuster films. He is popular throughout Italy with both adults and children. He continues to be active in the film and television industry, appearing in Il diavolo è Dragan Cygan (2024) and Alberto Sordi secret (2024).

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Fabio De Luigi

Fabio De Luigi, born on October 11, 1967, in Santarcangelo di Romagna, is an Italian actor, comedian, film director, television presenter, and former baseball player. He is a great-nephew of poet Tonino Guerra. From his early days, he demonstrated versatility, initially pursuing baseball in Serie A1 with Santarcangelo and Rimini before transitioning to the arts. He graduated from a fine arts high school and furthered his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, earning a degree in painting with a thesis on comedy in contemporary art criticism. This artistic background informs his multifaceted career. De Luigi began his comedy journey in 1990 by entering 'La Zanzara d'oro' competition, placing fourth. He quickly gained recognition through his work with Gialappa’s Band on the television program Mai Dire... , both as a comedian and host, and later collaborated with Paola Cortellesi and Mago Forest on 'Mai dire Grande Fratello 2'. His comedy style is described as both physical and intellectual, yet humble, and he created numerous memorable characters including Olmo, Fabius, Luigio Guastardo della Radica, Cologno, Baraldi, Medioman, L'Ingegner Cane, Bum Bum Picozza, and Petunio. He also imitated various television personalities and politicians. He released an album titled Olmo & Friends in 2002. Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, De Luigi appeared in numerous films including Marriages (1998), All the Moron's Men (1999), Johnny the Partisan (2000), Commediasexi (2006), Natale a New York (2006), Natale in crociera (2007), As God Commands (2008), and Many Kisses Later (2009). He also starred in the sitcom 'Love Bugs' (2005) and co-hosted 'Apocalypse Show' (Rai 1) and 'Le Iene'. He has collaborated with directors like Marco Ferreri, Alessandro D’Alatri, Alessandro Genovesi, Fausto Brizzi, and Giovanni Veronesi. He continued to act in films such as Gli amici del bar Margherita (2009), Happy Family (2010), and Maschi contro femmine (2010). He directed, co-wrote, and starred in 'La peggior settimana della mia vita' (2011) and has since directed films like Tiramisù (2016) and 50 km per Hour (2024). He is currently filming 'La befana vien di notte 2 - Le origini'. After 25 years away from the stage, he is returning to live performances with the "BIOL- In Carne e Ossa Tour."

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Federico Basso

Federico Basso is an Italian comedian, television writer, actor, and performer. Born in Turin on January 1, 1975, he is originally from Italy. In 1995, he completed his technical education, earning a diploma as an electronics technician (Perito elettronico) from the Giuseppe Peano Institute of Industrial Technology in Turin, achieving a grade of 49 out of 60. Following this, artistic training occurred for him at Segrate’s Theatre School and Milan’s Civic School of Cinema and Television. Before becoming a comedian, his professional experience included working as a video editor for news broadcasts on Rete 4 and Italia 1, a role he held from 1997 until 2004. Basso began his artistic career with theatrical improvisation shows and participated in Zelig’s laboratories. He gained recognition through appearances on the comedy shows Zelig and Zelig Off , both as a performer and presenter, appearing on Zelig in 2006, 2011-2013, 2021, and 2026. From 2007 to 2011, he co-hosted Zelig Off alongside Teresa Mannino. In 2003, he joined the Zelig workshops, and in 2004, he won the Sesto San Giovanni cabaret festival, defeating Teresa Mannino in the final. His comedic style is influenced by American humor traditions, with stand-up comedians like Woody Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, and Dane Cook serving as inspirations. He also admires Buster Keaton. Self-irony forms the foundation of his artistic production. Federico Basso’s career includes writing for television programs such as Belli dentro (2005-2012) and Crozza Italia (2006), and a guest appearance in the mini-series Quelli dell'Intervallo Cafe - Casa Pierpiero in 2011. He won the fifth season of the comedy show LOL - Chi ride è fuori in 2025, sharing the prize money with Geppi Cucciari. In November 2024, he became an ambassador promoting the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, participating as a torchbearer in Turin on January 11, 2026. He has also appeared on Geppi Hour (2007), Comedy Match (2024-2026), Techetechete' (2024), DopoFestival (since 2026), The Band (2022) and La notte dei fiori (2026). He recently had a Comedy Central Presents special in 2026. Currently, he is working on a show to be brought to theatres soon and shares monologues and sketches on his social media profiles, where he has over 480,000 followers. Critics describe him as an acute, intelligent artist and a keen observer of contemporary society.

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Franco Bracardi

Born March 16, 1937, in Rome, Franco Bracardi was an Italian entertainer with multiple talents, including acting, composing, piano playing, and stand-up comedy. He passed away in Rome on February 28, 2005, just two weeks before his 70th birthday. Bracardi’s professional life stretched across many years, involving music, television, radio, and film, which solidified his reputation as a prominent figure during the golden era of Italian radio and television. Bracardi began his professional life in music during the first half of the 1950s, working as a jazz pianist in nightclubs and serving as an accompanist. He joined the beat group The Flippers in the 1960s, where he played piano alongside Lucio Dalla. The Flippers, which also included members like Maurizio Catalano, Max Catalano, Benny Amoroso, Fabrizio Zampa, Romolo Forlai, achieved significant success between 1960 and 1966, even winning the Cantagiro in 1963 with 'I Watussi'. He debuted as an actor and comedian around the mid-1960s at the cabaret 'Setteperotto', alongside figures like Villaggio, Pippo Franco, and Enzo Jannacci. During this period, he also composed songs for Mina, Mireille Mathieu, and Raffaella Carrà, including Mireille Mathieu’s “Une chanson,” which reached 12th place at Sanremo in 1968. Bracardi gained widespread fame starting in 1970 through his work on the radio variety show 'Alto gradimento', hosted by Renzo Arbore and Gianni Boncompagni. On this program, he composed the score, wrote material, and created memorable characters such as Solforio, Mortification, and Pallottino. He frequently collaborated with Renzo Arbore, appearing on shows like 'Quelli della notte'. He continued to work as an author for RAI television for over ten years, also contributing to Discoring . He appeared in several films, including Splendori e miserie di Madame Royale , Io la conoscevo bene , four films with Totò, and notably as Lino Banfi’s cousin in the 1982 comedy Vieni avanti cretino . He served as the official pianist for Maurizio Costanzo on his long-running television show, 'Maurizio Costanzo Show,' improvising to highlight or soften various moments, and composed the theme song 'Se penso a te' for the show in 1985. He is remembered for creating surreal characters on radio and composing numerous successful songs for Raffaella Carrà between the 1970s and 1980s, including ‘A far l’amore comincia tu’, ‘Ballo ballo’, and ‘Pedro’.

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Frank Matano

Italian entertainer, actor, and television figure Francesco Matano is also recognized as Frank Matano. Born on September 14, 1989, in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Italy, he holds both Italian and American citizenship. His parents are of Italian and American descent, reflecting a dual cultural upbringing. He spent his teenage years living in the United States, graduating from Cranston High School East in Rhode Island. Matano began his career online in 2007 with a YouTube channel called 'lamentecontorta,' initially featuring prank phone calls. This channel quickly gained popularity, amassing approximately 60 million views and reaching one million subscribers by 2008. He created a second channel, 'FRANK MATANO Games,' dedicated to video games in 2013. Matano first appeared on television in 2009, serving as a correspondent and presenter for 'Le Iene.' Later that year, in 2010, he presented the program 'Sky Scherzando?' and attended the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio to study languages, but did not earn a degree. Throughout his career, Matano has expanded into various roles. He appeared in the web series ‘Lost in Google’ in 2012 and made his acting debut in 'Fuga di cervelli' in 2013, followed by roles in Paolo Ruffini’s films 'Tutto molto bello' (2014) and 'Fuga di cervelli' (2013). He has also worked as a voice actor for several animated projects, including 'Zootopia' (2016), ‘Sing 2’ (2021), and ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ (2023). In 2015, he was awarded Revelation of the Year at the TV Direction Awards. He served as a judge on 'Italia's Got Talent' in 2015 and co-hosted 'Le Iene' in 2016 and 2019. He participated in the comedy show 'LOL – Chi ride è fuori' starting in 2021, and currently stars in the Prime Video series ‘Gigolò per caso’ from 2023.

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Gabriele Cirilli

Gabriele Cirilli, born in Sulmona on June 12, 1967, is an Italian entertainer with a diverse career. He identifies as a comedian, cabaret artist, actor, humorist, and writer. Currently 56 years old, Cirilli’s professional journey began in 1986 as a contestant on 'Il gioco delle coppie'. He subsequently studied at the Laboratory of Scenic Exercises directed by Gigi Proietti, which provided him with a foundational theatrical training. Cirilli gained considerable recognition through his appearances on various editions of 'Zelig', particularly for portraying the Roman suburbanite Kruska. This character inspired the memorable catchphrase 'Chi è Tatiana?!?...', which subsequently led to a book, a theatrical show, and the 2001 film 'Chi è Tatiana?' directed by Roberto Campili. His acting credits include roles in television fiction series such as 'Scoop' (1991), 'Assunta Spina' (1992), and 'Chiara e Francesco' (2007), and films like 'Un bugiardo in paradiso' (1998) and 'Matrimonio al sud'. He also participated in the theatrical show 'Donna Gabriella e i suoi figli' from 2006 to 2007, and performed the theatrical show 'Cirque du Cirill' in 2010. Since 2009, Cirilli has been a cast member of 'Un medico in famiglia', playing Dante Piccione. He showcased his versatility by participating in 'Ballando con le stelle' in 2007 and 'Tale e quale show' from 2012 to 2017, impersonating various artists and accumulating over 75 imitations. In 2013, he portrayed Claudio Villa in 'Volare - La grande storia di Domenico Modugno'. He presented the comedy talent show 'Eccezionale veramente' on LA7 in 2016 and played Gomez Addams in the musical 'La famiglia Addams' in 2018 and 2019. Cirilli continues to perform, including appearances on 'Tale e Quale Show', where he returned as a regular guest in 2020, and through his comedy show 'Gabriele Cirilli LIVE'. He is available for events throughout Italy and known for his improvisation skills.

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Ghemon

Giovanni Luca Picariello, known professionally as Ghemon, is an Italian artist born in Avellino on April 1, 1982. He operates under several names including Ghemon Scienz and Gilmar. Ghemon functions as a rapper, singer-songwriter, and comedian. His stage name originates from Ishikawa Goemon XIII, a character from the Lupin the Third series. Early artistic endeavors included graffiti art from 1995 to 2001, initially under the tag 'Kal,' which he later changed to 'Esi' due to similarities with another artist named Kaf. Ghemon’s musical journey began in 1993 when he discovered hip hop through Articolo 31 and OTR, and he briefly copied J-Ax's lyrics. He was also a fan of Litfiba and Ligabue from 1993 onward. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, he participated in various collectives and projects including Blue Nox, Unlimited Struggle, 15 barrato (formed in 1996 with Mobie), and Sangamaro (founded in 1997 with Domenico, also known as Domey Blanco). Sangamaro released a demo, Bloodstains , in 2000. He pursued formal education, studying law at LUISS University in Rome and graduating in 2002. From 2005 to 2006, he was part of the Soulville project, which released his debut EP, Ufficio immaginazione , as a free download in 2006; this release received positive reviews and garnered over 3,000 downloads. Ghemon’s career includes appearances at the Sanremo Music Festival in 2019 with 'Rose viola' and again in 2021 with 'Momento perfetto,' which placed 21st. He also contributed to the soundtrack of NBA 2K17 in 2017 with his single 'Adesso sono qui.' Currently, he is a stand-up comedian. His show, "La Prima Volta. L’Ultima Volta. L’Unica Volta," premieres in April, following his previous show, “Una cosetta così,” which ran from 2023 to 2024 with over 70 performances and concluded with a special event at the Teatro Arcimboldi in Milan. This show, co-written with Carmine Del Grosso, is described as a combination of concert, monologue, and comedy, often featuring previously unreleased songs. He plans his next show, titled "Varietà," aiming for a performance at the Forum di Assago.

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