Mario Brega (Rome, 1923 – 1994) was an Italian actor and an iconic figure in cinema. After a career as a boxer and stuntman, he established himself as a character actor thanks to his powerful physique and striking face.

He is famous for his collaborations with Sergio Leone, who cast him in masterpieces such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Once Upon a Time in the West, and Duck, You Sucker!, often in roles as a memorable villain or henchman. Equally significant was his partnership with Carlo Verdone, who immortalized him in comedies such as Un sacco bello, Borotalco, and Acqua e sapone, playing rough Roman commoners or grotesque characters with hearts of gold. He also collaborated with Ettore Scola (Ugly, Dirty and Bad).

His style was characterized by incisive, often shouted acting and an unmistakable Roman accent, which made him perfect for tough guy roles or outspoken commoners, establishing him as one of the greatest Italian character actors.