Vittorio Gassman (1922-2000), nicknamed "Il Mattatore", was one of the most iconic and versatile Italian actors of the post-war era. His film career saw him masterfully transition from drama to comedy.

A central figure of *Commedia all'italiana* (Italian-style comedy), he embodied memorable characters. His most celebrated roles include Peppe il Balbuziente in *I soliti ignoti* (1958) and the superficial but charming Bruno Cortona in *Il sorpasso* (1962), masterpieces that cemented his reputation. He demonstrated an extraordinary ability to portray complex figures, from the tragic hero to the cynical bourgeois, from the medieval knight (*L'armata Brancaleone*, 1966) to the tormented man (*Profumo di donna*, 1974), for which he won the Best Actor Award at Cannes and received an Academy Award nomination.

His style was characterized by a powerful stage presence, an unmistakable voice, and a rare dramatic intensity, which made him a giant of Italian and international cinema.