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Roberto Benigni, (born October 27, 1952, Misericordia, Arezzo, Italy), Italian actor and director known for his comedic work, most notably La vita è bella (1997; Life Is Beautiful), for which he won an Academy Award for best actor. Benigni was the son of a poor tenant farmer who had worked in a German forced-labour camp during World War II. The elder Benigni used humour in retelling his experiences, which helped shape his son’s comedic skill. Benigni briefly attended a Jesuit seminary in Florence, and, after a stint as a magician’s assistant, he joined an underground theatre group in the late 1960s.
Roberto Benigni is a renowned Italian actor and director known for his manic, physically comedic performances and his highly acclaimed 1997 Holocaust drama, Life Is Beautiful.
He is widely recognized for directing and starring in the Oscar-winning film Life Is Beautiful, as well as his distinctive collaborations with directors Jim Jarmusch and Federico Fellini.
He produces films often characterized by a blend of physical slapstick, heartfelt human drama, and a signature, energetic, improvisational performance style.