This morning, Sunday 23 June, at Velletrithe unveiling of a commemorative plaque in honor of was held Renzo Giovampietro, illustrious citizen and leading figure in the Italian theater and television scene. The ceremony, in the presence of deputy mayor Chiara Ercoli e of the artist’s family, marked the beginning of the celebrations for the centenary of his birth, which occurred on 23 June 1924.
The Municipal Administration of Velletri had decided to install the commemorative plaque as a prelude to the naming of the staircase that connects Piazza Garibaldi to Via Pia, in honor of the famous actor. The choice of this symbolic place reflects the commitment and artistic value of Giovampietro, who left an indelible mark on the cultural history of the city. The decision, as reported in the municipal resolution, responded to one of the primary objectives of the administration: the cultural and social development of the territory, recognizing culture as a fundamental tool for individual and collective growth.
Renzo Giovampietro, born in Velletri in 1924 and passed away in Rome on 10 March 2006, attended and graduated from the National Academy of Dramatic Art. His career began after the war, with works both in the theater and on Rai radio, within the Prose Company of the Italian Radio. He participated in numerous comedies and radio plays, quickly gaining recognition for his talent.
In 1945, Luchino Visconti offered him the opportunity to join his theater company, where he made his debut in “Antigone”. Subsequently, Giovampietro worked with Giorgio Strehler in Milan, playing roles in “Pick-up” and “Harlequin Servant of Two Masters”. His theatrical activity continued with highly successful productions, consolidating his reputation as one of the most versatile and appreciated actors of his generation.
In addition to the theater, Giovampietro had a significant television career, playing roles in productions such as “Napoleon on St. Helena”, “The Dreyfus Affair”, “Life of Cavour” and “Sandokan”. Even in the cinema his presence, although discreet, was notable. During his career, he received numerous awards, including the Golden Mask and the Veretium Prize. Always proud of his Veliterne roots, Giovampietro brought the name of his hometown to a national scale, becoming a cultural ambassador of Velletri.
Velletri paid homage to Renzo Giovampietro on the centenary of his birth (PHOTO)
On the occasion of the centenary of the birth of Renzo Giovampietro, on 23 June 2024, Velletri organized a series of commemorative events. This morning, shortly after 10, we proceeded to unveil the plaque naming the staircase in the presence of the deputy mayor Chiara Ercoli and several administrators and city councilors (including Dario Di Luzio, who actively contributed to the excellent success of the day and councilor Luca Quattrocchi).
Following this, at the Casa delle Culture e della Musica, in the Romina Trenta Auditorium, the event “Renzo Giovampietro 100 years” was staged, organized by the Fondazione Arte e Cultura Città di Velletri, with the participation of family members , colleagues, friends, scholars and university professors.
The day’s program included readings of songs and works, projections of images and audio-video documents, celebrating the cultural legacy left by Giovampietro.
During the conference the most important moments in the life of the Veliterno actor were remembered. Tullio Sorrentino and Giacomo Zito spoke on behalf of the Fondazione Arte e Cultura Città di Velletri, followed by Bruno Cesaroni and Giorgio Corsetti, members of the promoting committee. Marco Nocca presented “Renzo and Velletri, his city of origin”, while Massimo Lello discussed “The theater actor”. Giovampietro’s daughter, Antonella, finally shared personal memories with “Renzo Giovampietro, my father”. The deputy mayor Chiara Ercoli was particularly moved, and did not fail to praise Giovampietro for the legacy left to the world of art and the pride of Velletri for having given birth to him.
The celebrations concluded with the screening of images and videos from Giovampietro’s career, including moments from theatre, television and radio, and with the viewing of images from the family archive. The toast “Libiamo, nor happy glasses” celebrated the actor’s one hundredth birthday, and all those present were given a booklet with the history, images and most important activities of his career.
Velletri paid homage to Renzo Giovampietro on the centenary of his birth (PHOTO)
