Gianfranco Ombuen was an Italian television director, considered one of the pioneers and masters of television directing in Italy. His career is inextricably linked to Rai, for which he directed some of the most iconic programs in the nation's television history. His most celebrated works include legendary quiz shows such as *Lascia o raddoppia?* and *Rischiatutto*, both hosted by Mike Bongiorno, which helped to define the language of the genre. He also directed highly successful shows such as *Scommettiamo?* and numerous editions of the Sanremo Music Festival, demonstrating great versatility. His rigorous style and his ability to manage complex live television broadcasts earned him recognition as a key figure in the development of Rai's variety and entertainment programming, influencing subsequent generations of directors and leaving an indelible mark on Italian popular culture.