Eduardo Ciannelli was an Italian-American actor who is best known for his roles in Winterset, Marked Woman, and Kitty Foyle. Born on August 30, 1889, in Ischia, Italy, he became a prominent figure in theater and film during his career.
Personal and Family Life
Eduardo married Alma Wolfe on June 2, 1918, and they had two sons together, Lewis E. Ciannelli and Eduardo Jr. His early life was spent on the island of Ischia, where his father operated a health spa. Eduardo initially studied medicine at the University of Naples but soon pursued a career in music and acting instead.
Career
Ciannelli first gained fame as a baritone opera singer in Europe before transitioning to acting. He made his Broadway debut in the play Always You in 1920 and became known for playing characters with a rough edge, often portraying gangsters. Through the years, he appeared in many productions, both on stage and in films, establishing a reputation for his distinctive Italian-accented performances.
Death and Legacy
Eduardo Ciannelli passed away on October 8, 1969, in Rome, Italy, after battling cancer. He is remembered for his significant contributions to both theater and cinema, particularly his memorable portrayals of villains that left a lasting impact on audiences. He was buried at the Cimitero Flaminio in Lazio.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Houseboat | 1958-11-19 | Arturo Zaccardi |
| The Mummy’s Hand | 1940-09-20 | The High Priest |
| Gunga Din | 1939-01-26 | Guru |
| Marked Woman | 1937-04-10 | Johnny Vanning |
| La collina degli stivali | 1969-12-20 | Governor Boone / Moore |
| You Can’t Escape Forever | 1942-10-10 | Boss Greer |
| Dillinger | 1945-04-25 | Marco Minelli |
| The Conspirators | 1944-10-24 | Colonel Almeida (as Edward Ciannelli) |
| The Mask of Dimitrios | 1944-06-23 | Marukakis (as Edward Ciannelli) |
| Mysterious Doctor Satan | 1940-12-13 | Doctor Satan |
| The People Against O’Hara | 1951-09-01 | Sol ‘Knuckles’ Lanzetta |
| Heartbeat | 1946-05-01 | Baron Ferdinand Dvorak |
| Helen of Troy | 1956-01-26 | Andros |
| Cairo | 1942-08-17 | Ahmed Ben Hassan (as Edward Ciannelli) |
| I Love Trouble | 1948-01-15 | John Vega Caprillo |
| Law of the Underworld | 1938-05-06 | Rocky |
| Winterset | 1936-12-03 | Trock Estrella |
| Kitty Foyle | 1940-12-27 | Giono |