For over six decades, I’ve had the privilege of inhabiting countless lives – the swashbuckling Yanez de Gomera, the ingenious Leonardo da Vinci, the steely gunslinger in “Yankee.” Cinema has been my playground, a canvas where I’ve explored the depths of human emotion, the thrill of adventure, and the complexities of history.

Today, I want to share some reflections on this incredible journey, a journey that’s taken me from the bustling sets of Italian epics to the introspective world of French noir.

From Stage to Screen: The Early Days

My love affair with performance began on the stage. The energy of a live audience, the immediate connection with the characters I portrayed – it was exhilarating. But there was something about the intimacy of film that captivated me. The camera’s ability to capture a flicker of emotion, the meticulous crafting of a scene – it offered a different kind of magic.

My entry into cinema was through the acclaimed French film “Le Trou” (“The Hole”) by Jacques Becker in 1960. It was a baptism by fire, working under a master like Becker who instilled in me the importance of detail, of realism, and of letting the story breathe.

The Allure of Adventure: Sandokan and Beyond

Fate, however, had other plans. The 1960s saw the rise of the “sword and sandal” genre, and I found myself embodying the enigmatic Yanez de Gomera in the immensely popular “Sandokan” series.

Yanez was a departure from my more introspective roles. He was a man of action, a loyal friend with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. The experience was exhilarating – the horseback riding, the sword fights, the exotic locations. It was a crash course in adventure filmmaking, and it taught me the importance of physicality and presence on screen.

But I never wanted to be typecast. Throughout the 60s and 70s, I balanced these swashbuckling roles with diverse projects. I portrayed a tormented artist in “Senilità,” a sharp-shooting cowboy in “Yankee,” and even the enigmatic Leonardo da Vinci in a television mini-series.

Facing the Depths: The Power of European Cinema

European cinema, with its focus on social commentary and psychological exploration, held a special place in my heart. Films like “Milano Calibro 9” (“Milan Caliber 9”) delved into the gritty underbelly of society, while “La Maladie de Mort” (“The Disease of Death”) explored themes of existentialism.

These films were challenging, both for the audience and for me as an actor. They demanded a deep understanding of the characters, a willingness to bare one’s soul on screen. It was a demanding art form, but one that brought immense creative satisfaction.

Looking Back and Looking Forward

The world of cinema has changed dramatically over the years. The rise of independent filmmaking, the focus on special effects, the global reach of streaming platforms – it’s a new landscape.

But at its core, cinema remains the same powerful art form. It has the ability to transport us, to make us laugh and cry, to challenge our perspectives and ignite our imaginations.

As for me, at this stage of my life, I look back with a sense of gratitude. I’ve been blessed to collaborate with phenomenal directors, talented actors, and dedicated crews. I’ve explored a vast array of characters and stories.

And while I may not be scaling mountains or wielding swords on screen anymore, the fire for storytelling still burns bright. Perhaps there’s a character waiting to be discovered, a story waiting to be told. The adventure, I believe, is far from over.

This blog post is just a glimpse into my life in cinema. There are countless stories behind the scenes, friendships forged on set, and lessons learned along the way. Perhaps, in the future, I’ll delve deeper into these experiences.

For now, I hope these reflections have offered a window into the world of an actor, a world where imagination meets reality, and where stories come alive on the silver screen.