# Massimo Troisi

> Italian actor, film director, and poet (1953–1994)

**Wikidata**: [Q53035](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53035)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massimo_Troisi)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/massimo-troisi

## Summary
Massimo Troisi was an Italian actor, film director, and poet (1953–1994) known for his iconic roles in films like *I'm Starting from Three* and *Il Postino: The Postman*, which earned him critical acclaim and awards. His work blended comedy, drama, and poetic expression, cementing his legacy as a multifaceted artist in Italian cinema.

## Biography
- Born: February 19, 1953, in Naples, Italy
- Nationality: Italian
- Education: Studied at the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica "Silvio D'Amico" in Rome
- Known for: Directing and acting in critically acclaimed films, including *I'm Starting from Three* and *Il Postino: The Postman*
- Employer(s): Independent filmmaker and actor
- Field(s): Acting, film directing, poetry

## Contributions
- Directed and starred in *I'm Starting from Three* (1981), a film that won the Nastro d'Argento for Best New Director and earned Troisi the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.
- Co-wrote and directed *Nothing Left to Do But Cry* (1984), a comedy-drama that received critical praise.
- Directed *Il Postino: The Postman* (1994), a biographical film about the Italian postman who delivered letters to Jewish families during World War II, which won the David di Donatello for Best Film and earned Troisi a posthumous David di Donatello for Best Actor.
- Published poetry collections, including *La Notte* (1989), which showcased his literary talent alongside his film work.

## FAQs
**What was Massimo Troisi's most famous film?**
Troisi is best known for *Il Postino: The Postman* (1994), a biographical film about a postman who delivered letters to Jewish families during World War II, which earned him a posthumous David di Donatello for Best Actor.

**Did Massimo Troisi write poetry?**
Yes, Troisi was also a poet and published collections like *La Notte* (1989), blending his literary and artistic talents.

**What awards did Massimo Troisi win?**
Troisi won the David di Donatello for Best Actor, the Nastro d'Argento for Best New Director, and the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival.

**Where did Massimo Troisi study acting?**
Troisi studied at the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica "Silvio D'Amico" in Rome.

**What was Massimo Troisi's cause of death?**
Troisi died on June 4, 1994, from a heart attack at the age of 41.

## Why They Matter
Massimo Troisi's work revolutionized Italian cinema by merging poetic expression with mainstream storytelling. His films, such as *Il Postino*, became cultural touchstones, inspiring generations of filmmakers and actors. Troisi's ability to balance humor and depth in his performances and directorial work set a new standard for Italian cinema. His legacy endures through his films, which continue to be celebrated for their emotional resonance and artistic innovation.

## Notable For
- Won the David di Donatello for Best Actor for *Il Postino: The Postman* (1994).
- Earned the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for *I'm Starting from Three* (1981).
- Directed *Nothing Left to Do But Cry* (1984), a critically acclaimed comedy-drama.
- Published poetry collections, including *La Notte* (1989).
- Known for his iconic roles in Italian cinema, blending comedy and drama.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Massimo Troisi was born on February 19, 1953, in Naples, Italy. He studied at the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica "Silvio D'Amico" in Rome, where he honed his acting and directing skills. His early training laid the foundation for his future work in film and poetry.

### Career in Acting and Directing
Troisi began his career in the late 1960s, appearing in various films and television shows. His breakthrough role came in *I'm Starting from Three* (1981), a film that won the Nastro d'Argento for Best New Director and earned him the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival. This success established him as a rising star in Italian cinema.

### Directorial Work
Troisi directed several films, including *Nothing Left to Do But Cry* (1984), a comedy-drama that received critical acclaim. His most famous directorial work was *Il Postino: The Postman* (1994), a biographical film about a postman who delivered letters to Jewish families during World War II. The film won the David di Donatello for Best Film and earned Troisi a posthumous David di Donatello for Best Actor.

### Literary Contributions
In addition to his film work, Troisi was a poet and published collections like *La Notte* (1989). His literary talent complemented his artistic vision, showcasing his ability to express emotion and depth in both his writing and performances.

### Awards and Recognition
Troisi received numerous awards throughout his career, including the David di Donatello for Best Actor, the Nastro d'Argento for Best New Director, and the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival. His work was widely recognized for its innovation and emotional impact.

### Legacy
Massimo Troisi's legacy endures through his films, which continue to be celebrated for their emotional resonance and artistic innovation. His ability to blend humor and depth in his performances and directorial work set a new standard for Italian cinema. Troisi's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary filmmakers and actors.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. OPAC SBN
7. MusicBrainz
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. Discogs
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1996)
13. CONOR.SI
14. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
15. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
16. Enciclopedia Treccani
17. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
18. performing-arts.ch