Lino Ventura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lino Ventura
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| Born |
Angiolino Giuseppe Pasquale Ventura
14 July 1919 Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
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| Died | 22 October 1987 (aged 68) Saint-Cloud, Hauts-de-Seine, France
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1953–1987 |
| Spouse(s) |
Odette Lecomte
(m. 1942) |
| Children | 4 |
Angiolino Giuseppe Pasquale Ventura (born July 14, 1919 – died October 22, 1987) was a famous Italian actor. He was known as Lino Ventura. Even though he was born in Italy, he grew up in France.
Lino Ventura starred in many popular French films. He often played tough characters, like criminals or police officers. Before becoming an actor, he was a professional wrestler. He also helped start a charity called Perce-Neige (Snowdrop) for disabled children.
Contents
Life and Career
Early Life and Unexpected Start
Lino Ventura was born in Parma, Italy. His parents were Giovanni Ventura and Luisa Borrini. His family moved to France when he was very young. Lino left school at age eight and worked many different jobs.
For a while, Lino was a professional wrestler. He was quite good at it! However, an injury made him stop his wrestling career.
In 1953, something unexpected happened. A friend told director Jacques Becker about Lino. Becker was looking for an Italian actor for his gangster movie, Touchez pas au grisbi (1954). Lino was offered the role of Angelo. He didn't want to act at first, but he finally said yes.
Becoming a Film Star
Lino Ventura was amazing in Touchez pas au grisbi. Everyone in the film world noticed him. The movie was a big hit!
After that, Lino started getting many acting jobs. He often played strong, serious characters in gangster films. He frequently acted alongside his good friend, Jean Gabin. One of their early films together was Razzia sur la chnouf (1955).
Lino quickly became one of France's most loved actors. He worked with famous directors like Louis Malle and Claude Sautet. He also acted with many other big stars.
Famous Roles and Charity Work
Lino Ventura played many memorable characters. He was known for playing police chiefs and even mob bosses. One of his famous roles was as a leader in the French Resistance in the film Army of Shadows (1969). The Resistance was a group that fought against the occupation of France during World War II.
Even though he lived in France for most of his life, Lino Ventura always remained an Italian citizen. He respected his parents and his Italian heritage.
Lino had four children. One of his daughters was born with a disability. Because of this, he and his wife started a charity in 1966. It was called Perce-Neige, which means Snowdrop. This charity helps disabled people and their families.
Lino Ventura continued acting until 1986. He passed away in 1987 at the age of 68 from a heart attack. He was one of the most popular actors in French cinema. Many years after his death, he was even voted 23rd in a poll of the 100 greatest Frenchmen.
Lino believed that he was successful because he only played roles he truly understood. He once said, "If I cannot believe in a character, or if something does not ring true, I cannot act it." He also felt very lucky to be an actor and loved his work.
See also
In Spanish: Lino Ventura para niños
