Franco Merli

Franco Merli was an Italian actor born on October 31, 1956, in Rome, Italy. His entry into the world of acting was serendipitous; at the age of 16, while working as a petrol station attendant, he caught the eye of renowned poet and filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini. This chance encounter led to his casting in Pasolini's adaptation of Arabian Nights, where he portrayed Nur Ed Din, showcasing his striking features and lean physique.

Merli's most notable role came in Pasolini's final film, *Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom*, where he played one of the male victims. His portrayal became emblematic of the film, with a haunting image of him holding a gun to his head gaining widespread recognition. Although he was initially comfortable with the film's controversial content, the intense atmosphere during filming caused him considerable anxiety, particularly when the gun was pointed at him, leading to moments of panic. Additionally, speculation about his sexuality added to the stress on set.

In 1976, he appeared in Ettore Scola’s *Ugly, Dirty and Bad* as Fernando, a transvestite prostitute, further solidifying his place in Italian cinema. However, following Pasolini's tragic death, Merli found it challenging to secure roles, often being typecast due to the provocative nature of his previous work. Ultimately, he withdrew from acting and passed away in Rome on May 17, 2025, after a prolonged illness.