Calabrisella Mia

When I first moved to Italy, I didn’t know most of the personalities of the world of television and cinema.  Although I watched a lot of Italian movies in Toronto, there was so much that I wasn’t aware of.  After updating My Top 5:  Italian Male Singers, I thought it only fitting to update My Top 5:  Italian Male Actors which was also originally created in 2009.

The disclaimer is always the same – these are my own personal favourites and I don’t expect everyone to agree with my picks.  In fact, I’d love it if you’d comment with your Top 5 Italian Male Actors.

So here is the 2nd edition to My Top 5:  Italian Male Actors.  Enjoy!

1.  Raoul Bova

It didn’t take long for Raoul Bova to reach “sex symbol” status in Italy but it wasn’t until he starred in Under the Tuscan Sun (2003) as Diane Lane’s love interest that women in North America began to take notice. Who can forget the hunky Bova strutting around the city in his broken-in jeans and stress free cargos from the Gap. What’s not to love? Raoul Bova isn’t just a pretty face; he has also done some producing.

Other movies to watch him in: La Finestra di Fronte (2003), Scusa ma ti chiamo amore (2008), Immaturi (2012)

2.  Alessandro Siani

This Napolitano comedian/actor started his career in 1988 dabbing in various different areas of the world of entertainment such as theatre, television and film.  He has done many things over the years but in 2010 his status exploded when he starred in Benvenuti al Sud as a lovable and endearing postman from a small town in.  He reprised this role again in 2012 with Benvenuti al Nord.

Other movies to watch him in:  Natale a New York (2006), La peggior settimana della mia vita (2011)

3.  Giampaolo Morelli

Giampaolo was born in Naples and it is there that he got his start in theatre.  As time passed, he decided to focus more of his time and energy on acting and with that in mind, he transferred to Rome.  He is an Italian actor, director, and screenwriter and is particularly known for his television work.   He has appeared in several television mini-series including Baciati dall’amore (2011) in which he played a single father of five children who is unlucky in love until he meets his “soul-mate”; a woman who is engaged to be married.

Other movies/mini-series to watch him in:  L’uomo perfetto (2005), La donna della domenica (2011)

4.  Luca Argentero

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Italian cinema or television, you might recognize Luca Argentero from Eat Pray Love (2010) in which he played Julia Roberts’ Italian tutor.  Luca hails from Torino and got his start on Grande Fratello (Italy’s version of Big Brother).  After that, he appeared in a number of films and also had a recurring role on the popular Italian television series, Carabinieri (2005-2007).  Luca has decided to use his fame for good and recently signed on to help WWF (The World Wildlife Fund) to bring attention to the need to protect three of Italy’s forests.

Other movies to watch him in:  Diverso da chi? (2009), Oggi Sposi (2009), Lezioni di cioccolato 2 (2011)

5.  Michele Riondino

Michele was born in Taranto, Puglia but transferred to Rome to attend “L’Accademia d’Arte Drammatica” where he began to do theatre roles.  In 2000, he started a three year stint on a popular Italian television series, Distretto di Polizia”.  In 2012, he bravely took on the role of a young Salvo Montalbano for the prequel to the beloved Italian television series, Il Commissario Montalbano.  Taking on a role of such a beloved character, such as Commissario Montalbano is difficult but Michele’s interpretation didn’t seem to disappoint Italian viewers.

Other movies to watch him in:  I’m sure there will be many in the next year!

Now it’s your turn.  Who are your Top 5 Italian Male Actors?