Primo Carnera was an Italian-American actor who is best known for his work in film and television, as well as his achievements as a boxer. Born on October 26, 1906, in Sequals, Italy, Carnera rose to fame both in the boxing ring and the Hollywood screen before his death on June 29, 1967.
Personal and Family Life
Primo Carnera married Giuseppina Kovacic on March 13, 1939, and they had two children together, a daughter named Joan and a son named Umberto, who became a doctor. During World War II, he fought in the Italian underground against the Nazis and was captured but later freed by Allied forces after Italy’s surrender in 1943.
Career Highlights
Carnera had an impressive boxing career, becoming the World Heavyweight Champion from 1933 to 1934. He was known for his strength and tall stature, earning him nicknames like “The Ambling Alp”. After facing several challenges in boxing, including health issues, he transitioned to acting and wrestling, and had roles in various films based on his boxing life.
Death and Legacy
Primo Carnera passed away on June 29, 1967, due to liver disease in his hometown of Sequals, Italy. His legacy includes being a boxing champion and an actor, which inspired the film “The Harder They Fall.” Despite the challenges he faced, Carnera is remembered for his contributions to both sports and cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Totò nella fossa dei leoni | 1943-05-31 | Il gran capo dei cannibali |
| Ercole e la regina di Lidia | 1959-02-14 | Anteo, the giant |
| A Kid for Two Farthings | 1955-08-15 | Python Macklin |
| The Prizefighter and the Lady | 1933-11-10 | Carnera |
| Traversata nera | 1939-08-12 | Kees |
| Casanova’s Big Night | 1954-04-07 | Corfa |
| La nascita di Salomè | 1940-07-13 | Il lottatore |
| Mr. Broadway | 1933-09-12 | Primo Carnera |
| Senza cielo | 1940-11-24 | Padovan |
| La corona di ferro | 1941-09-07 | Klasa |
| Bombshell | 1933-10-13 | Primo Carnera – in the Opening Montage (uncredited) |
| Il tallone di Achille | 1952-08-18 | himself |