Lino Ventura was an Italian-American actor who is best known for Ascenseur pour l’échafaud, Les Misérables, and Le Clan des Siciliens.
Personal and Family Life
Born Angiolino Giuseppe Pascal Ventura on July 14, 1919, in Parma, Italy, Lino Ventura moved to Paris with his family at a young age. He dropped out of school at eight and struggled to find his path in life, working various jobs before marrying Odette Ventura in 1942. Together, they had four children: Clelia, Laurent, Mylène, and Linda.
Career Highlights
Lino Ventura initially became a professional wrestler, but after an injury, he turned to acting. He got his first significant role in the crime thriller Touchez pas au grisbi in 1954, where he played opposite Jean Gabin. In the following years, he became known for his roles as tough characters and gangsters in numerous classic French films. His versatile acting allowed him to excel in both comedies and dramas.
Death and Legacy
Lino Ventura passed away on October 22, 1987, from a heart attack at the age of 68. He was widely regarded as one of France’s beloved character actors, with a lasting impact on French cinema. A square in Paris was named after him in December 1999, honoring his contributions to the film industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Ascenseur pour l’échafaud | 1958-01-29 | Le Commissaire Cherrier |
| Le Clan des Siciliens | 1969-12-05 | Commissaire Le Goff |
| Les Misérables | 1982-10-20 | Jean Valjean |
| Garde à vue | 1981-09-23 | Inspector Antoine Gallien |
| Les Aventuriers | 1967-04-12 | Roland |
| The Medusa Touch | 1978-04-13 | Brunel |
| Les Barbouzes | 1964-12-10 | Francis Lagneau |
| L’Emmerdeur | 1973-09-20 | Ralf Milan |
| Le Deuxième Souffle | 1966-11-01 | Gustave ‘Gu’ Minda |
| Les Tontons flingueurs | 1963-11-27 | Fernand Naudin |