Nando Cicero

Nando Cicero, born Fernando Cicero on January 22, 1931, in Asmara, was a prominent Italian film director, screenwriter, and actor whose career spanned several decades until his passing on July 30, 1995.

Cicero initially embarked on his artistic journey as an actor, collaborating with some of the most esteemed directors in Italian cinema, including Luchino Visconti in *Senso* (1953), Roberto Rossellini in *Vanina Vanini* (1961), Francesco Rosi in *Salvatore Giuliano* (1962), and Alberto Lattuada in *The Steppe* (1962). Over the course of his acting career, he appeared in eleven films from 1953 to 1962, primarily in supporting roles.

Transitioning to directing, Cicero made his debut with *Lo scippo* and went on to helm a trio of Spaghetti Westerns: *Professionals for a Massacre*, *Last of the Badmen*, and *Twice a Judas*. In the 1970s, he shifted his focus to the comedy genre, particularly parody films featuring the comedic duo Franco and Ciccio. With *The School Teacher*, Cicero emerged as a significant figure in the commedia sexy all'italiana genre, gaining recognition for his distinctive style.

After the popularity of this genre waned, Cicero chose to retire from filmmaking in 1983, leaving behind a legacy that included his final work, *Paulo Roberto Cotechino*, featuring Alvaro Vitali and Carmen Russo.