Adolfo Celi (Messina, July 27, 1922 – Siena, February 19, 1986) was an internationally renowned Italian actor, director, and screenwriter. Trained at the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica, he developed a significant part of his career in Brazil, where he co-founded the Teatro Brasileiro de Comédia and directed films such as *Caiçara* (1950), which was presented at the Cannes Film Festival. He achieved worldwide fame playing the antagonist Emilio Largo in the James Bond film *Thunderball* (1965), a role that established him as an icon of the elegant and ruthless villain. In Italy, his face is inextricably linked to the character of Professor Sassaroli in Mario Monicelli's masterpiece comedy *Amici miei* (1975), a performance for which he won, along with the main cast, a special Nastro d'Argento award. His filmography includes collaborations with prestigious directors such as Luis Buñuel in *The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie* and Philippe de Broca in *That Man from Rio*, demonstrating great versatility across different genres, from comedy to crime films.