Giancarlo Giannini, a renowned Italian actor and dubber, was born on August 1, 1942, in La Spezia, Liguria, Italy. He pursued his passion for acting at the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica in Rome, making his film debut in 1965 with a small part in Fango sulla metropoli.
Throughout his illustrious career, Giannini has appeared in various supporting roles, including Anzio and The Secret of Santa Vittoria, as well as the original version of Swept Away. In 1971, he took on the role of a television adaptation of A. J. Cronin's novel, The Stars Look Down, in E le stelle stanno a guardare.
In 1976, Giannini starred in Seven Beauties, earning a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor, a feat accomplished by an Italian actor for the first time. His performance was remarkable, given that it was entirely in Italian. Additionally, he has dubbed the voice of Jack Nicholson in the Italian release of both The Shining and Batman, and is the official Italian dubber of Al Pacino.
Giannini's fluency in English has led to a range of featured roles in Hollywood productions, including Inspector Pazzi in Hannibal and notable appearances in A Walk in the Clouds and Man on Fire. He has also starred in films directed by Lina Wertmuller, such as Swept Away, Seven Beauties, The Seduction of Mimi, Love and Anarchy, A Night Full of Rain, and Francesca e Nunziata.
In 1995, Giannini played the protective father, Alberto Aragón, in A Walk in the Clouds, and the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV in the 2000 Dune miniseries. He also starred in the horror film Darkness in 2002. His most recent notable roles include French agent René Mathis in the 21st and 22nd James Bond films, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.
Giannini's personal life is marked by his son, Adriano Giannini, who is also an actor and dubber, following in his father's footsteps.
