Farewell to a Symbol of Italian Cinema

Enzo Staiola, the actor who played the young Bruno, the child protagonist of Vittorio De Sica's cult film 'Bicycle Thieves', a symbol of Italian neorealism, has died at the age of 85. He passed away this morning in Rome at the age of 85. In the film, he portrayed the child accompanying his father, Antonio Ricci, played by Lamberto Maggiorani, through the streets of a post-war Rome, hungry and wounded. Ed Gale, the American actor who was the Chucky in 'Child's Play', has died. Who he was Born in Rome on November 15, 1939, Staiola was chosen by De Sica by chance: the director was struck by him when he saw him on the street, by his naturalness and authenticity, and entrusted him with one of the most iconic roles in cinema history. The film in which Staiola made his debut was released in 1948. The film won numerous international awards, including the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1950. The career The actor participated in other films, including 'Cuori senza frontiere' by Luigi Zampa and the American epic 'The Barefoot Contessa' by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, alongside Humphrey Bogart, Ava Gardner, and Rossano Brazzi. Despite the success, his acting career ended. Staiola became a mathematics teacher and worked as a clerk at the Rome Land Registry, leading a reserved life away from the spotlight. He returned to cinema in 1977 for a cameo in 'The Pyjama Girl Case' by Flavio Mogherini. The cult 'Bicycle Thieves' The character of Bruno in 'Bicycle Thieves' (1948), with his cap pulled down over his eyes and his questioning looks, won over audiences of all ages. Bruno became a symbol of innocence and filial love. He was a child of few words, but sharp, small, but with adult-like sorrows. A character who accompanies his father through disillusionments, injustices, and frustrations, living in an Italy still marked by the consequences of World War II.