Cesare Danova was an Italian-American actor best known for his roles in “Mean Streets,” “Animal House,” and “Cleopatra.” Born on March 1, 1926, in Bergamo, Italy, he had a multifaceted career that spanned across Europe and Hollywood.
Personal and Family Life
Cesare Danova was married twice. His first marriage was to Pamela Matthews in 1955, with whom he had two children, Fabrizio and Marco. They divorced in 1963. He later married Patricia Ann Geddes in 1977, remaining with her until his death in 1992. Danova was the son of Louis Deitinger and Domenica Tanturli, and was a descendant of the famous medieval artist Filippo Lippi.
Career Highlights
Danova began his acting career in Europe, starring in nearly 20 films before moving to Hollywood. He was signed by MGM in 1956, with hopes of him taking on major roles, including that of Ben-Hur, which ultimately went to Charlton Heston. Despite the initial setbacks in Hollywood, he found success in television and films, including memorable roles in “Mean Streets” and “Animal House.”
Death and Legacy
Cesare Danova passed away from a heart attack on March 19, 1992, in Los Angeles at the age of 66. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor known for his charm and diverse roles. Danova’s contributions to film and television continue to be remembered by his fans and the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Streets | 1973-10-14 | Giovanni Cappa |
| Animal House | 1978-07-28 | Mayor Carmine DePasto |
| Cleopatra | 1963-06-12 | Apollodorus |
| Viva Las Vegas | 1964-02-08 | Count Elmo Mancini |
| The Man Who Understood Women | 1959-10-02 | Major Marco Ranieri |
| Gidget Goes to Rome | 1963-08-07 | Paolo Cellini |
| Tarzan, the Ape Man | 1959-10-01 | Harry Holt |
| Grand Hotel | 1958 | Lead Role |
| Garrison’s Gorillas | 1967-09-06 | Character |
| Night Gallery | 1970-12-16 | Man (segment “Smile, Please”) |