
Cesare Gravina
Cesare Gravina (1858-1954) was an Italian actor known for his prolific career in Hollywood, particularly during the silent and early sound film eras. Specializing in character roles, he often portrayed characters of Latin origin: Italian immigrants, loving fathers, wise elders, or authoritative figures, sometimes with a touch of melancholy or tragedy.
His expressiveness and distinctive face made him a recognizable presence in numerous productions. He starred alongside such luminaries as Lon Chaney, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford. Among his most famous films are *The Phantom of the Opera* (1925), where he played the violinist who teaches Christine Daaé, *The Black Pirate* (1926), and *The Road to Mandalay* (1926). Gravina's versatility helped define the portrayal of "ethnic" characters in Hollywood of that era.