Paolo Paoloni (Ancona, July 24, 1929 – Rome, January 9, 2019) was an Italian actor. His fame is inextricably linked to the character of the Megadirettore Galattico Duca Conte Maria Rita Vittorio Balabam in the *Fantozzi* film series, directed by Luciano Salce, a role that established him as an icon of *commedia all'italiana*. His career, however, was extensive and multifaceted, featuring collaborations with some of Italy's most important directors. He was directed by Federico Fellini in *And the Ship Sails On* and by Dino Risi in *Il commissario Lo Gatto*. Paoloni also became a familiar face in the horror genre, appearing in cult classics by Dario Argento such as *Deep Red* and *Inferno*. A theater-trained actor, he also worked in numerous television productions, remaining active late into his life. While he did not receive any major awards, his main recognition lies in bringing to life an immortal character in popular cinema and in being a versatile character actor esteemed by the great masters of cinema.