Oreste Bilancia was an Italian actor who is best known for Il segreto del dottore, La trilogia di Maciste, and Il Fauno. Born on September 24, 1881, in Catania, Sicily, he enjoyed a notable career in the film industry until his death on October 31, 1945, in Rome, Italy.
Personal and Family Life
Oreste was married to Asta Gundt. He began his career as a theatrical actor where he often took on comedic roles. In his later years, he performed in Italian stage productions, working alongside famous actors like Anna Magnani. His cheerful personality and distinctive appearance contributed to his popularity on stage and screen.
Career
Bilancia gained fame in the 1930s by returning to Italy and participating in Telefoni Bianchi films, which were comedies inspired by American cinema. His film career in Germany ended with the advent of sound films, prompting his return to Italy where he excelled in character roles that highlighted his jovial nature and unique physicality.
Death and Legacy
Oreste Bilancia passed away on October 31, 1945. His contributions to both cinema and theater have left a lasting mark, remembered for his vibrant performances and commitment to his craft. He remains a prominent figure in the history of Italian film, particularly in the era of silent and early sound films.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1944 | Il fiore sotto gli occhi | Il direttore dell’albergo |
| 1944 | Macario contro Zagomar | Tarleret |
| 1943 | Silenzio, si gira! | Il portiere dell’albergo ‘Metropolis’ |
| 1943 | Due cuori fra le belve | (uncredited) |
| 1943 | Abenteuer im Grandhotel | Direktor Schnappich |
| 1942 | The Bigamist | Il droghiere di Campolo |
| 1942 | Rossini | L’uomo sotto la pioggia (uncredited) |
| 1942 | Broken Love | Battista – il maggiordomo di Vieri |
| 1941 | The King’s Jester | Un cortegiano |
| 1941 | L’amante segreta | (uncredited) |
| 1941 | Il re del circo | – |
| 1940 | Ecco la felicità | Il cameriere del bar |
| 1940 | La comédie du bonheur | Le garçon de café (uncredited) |
| 1940 | San Giovanni decollato | A Witness [Script Name: Augusto] (uncredited) |
| 1940 | Amami, Alfredo! | (uncredited) |