Franco Castellani (Rome, 1925 – Rome, 1983) was an Italian theatre, film, and television actor. Trained on the stage, he collaborated with prominent directors such as Giorgio Strehler and Luigi Squarzina, demonstrating solid acting skills. His film career took off in the 1970s, establishing him as one of the most prolific and recognizable character actors of the *Commedia all'italiana* and genre cinema. Specializing in roles as often clumsy or pedantic professionals, officials, and bourgeois characters, he was a recurring face in the works of the major directors of the era. Among his most notable performances are those in cult films such as Mario Monicelli's *Amici miei* (1975), as well as *Febbre da cavallo* (1976) and *Il secondo tragico Fantozzi* (1976), both directed by Steno. Also active on television in numerous drama series, his principal recognition lies in his vast filmography and his ability to embody an icon of popular Italian cinema, becoming an indispensable presence for over a decade.