Pino Colizzi, Voice of Hollywood Legends, Dies at 88
Pino Colizzi, a celebrated Italian actor, voice actor, and dubbing director, has passed away in Rome at the age of 88. His remarkable career spanned decades, bringing iconic Hollywood stars to Italian audiences.
From Visconti to Voice Acting Icon
Born in Rome in 1937, Colizzi began his artistic journey with a small role in Luchino Visconti’s Uno sguardo dal Ponte, alongside Paolo Stoppa and Rina Morelli. He quickly transitioned to television, starring in the sceneggiato Tom Jones. However, it was his work as a voice actor that cemented his legacy.
A Voice for the Stars
Colizzi lent his voice to a constellation of Hollywood giants, including Michael Douglas, Jack Nicholson, James Caan, Richard Dreyfuss, Omar Sharif, Franco Nero, and Robert Powell. He famously voiced Robert Powell in Zeffirelli’s Jesus of Nazareth, also appearing on screen as the good thief. He also provided the Italian voice for Christopher Reeve in the first three Superman films, Robert De Niro in The Godfather – Part II, and Patrick McGoohan in the re-dubbed version of the British science fiction series The Prisoner.
Apocalypse Now and Beyond
Perhaps his most recognizable role was voicing Martin Sheen in Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece, Apocalypse Now. In 1973, he also voiced Robin Hood in Disney’s beloved animated film. Later in his career, he appeared in Zeffirelli’s Un tè con Mussolini (1999) and the television series Il bello delle donne (2001).
A Master of Dubbing Direction
Beyond his acting and voice acting, Colizzi excelled as a dubbing director. He oversaw the Italian dubbing of all of Zeffirelli’s films from The Champion (1979) onwards, as well as acclaimed films like Pulp Fiction, The English Patient, the James Bond films starring Pierce Brosnan, and the Matrix trilogy.
Personal Life
Colizzi was married to fellow voice actress Manuela Andrei, and together they had two children, Carlo and Chiara.
The Enduring Legacy of Italian Dubbing
Pino Colizzi’s passing marks the complete of an era in Italian cinema and dubbing. His talent and dedication brought countless stories and characters to life for generations of Italian audiences. His work highlights the crucial role of voice actors in shaping the cinematic experience and bridging cultural gaps.
Did you know?
Pino Colizzi not only voiced the character of Jesus in the Italian dub of Jesus of Nazareth, but also played a supporting role in the film itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Pino Colizzi best known for? He was best known for being a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to many famous Hollywood actors.
- Which films did Pino Colizzi work on as a dubbing director? He directed the dubbing of films like Pulp Fiction, The English Patient, and the Matrix trilogy.
- Did Pino Colizzi act in any films? Yes, he had a role in Luchino Visconti’s Uno sguardo dal Ponte and Jesus of Nazareth.
Explore more articles on Italian cinema and the art of dubbing here.
