Giancarlo Giannini, Oscar-nominated Italian actor and director was born in La Spezia, Italy. At 18, he enrolled in the Academy of Dramatic Art D’Amico in Rome. In 1965, Giannini made his big-screen debut in Libido.  His successful collaboration with the legendary Italian director Lina Wertmüller resulted in several award-winning films with Giannini as the male lead. His many appearances include, Film d’amore e d’anarchia, ovvero ‘stamattina alle 10 in via dei Fiori nella nota casa di tolleranza…(1973), Travolti da un insolito destino nell’azzurro mare d’agosto (1974) and Pasqualino Settebellezze (1975). He also starred in Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s masterpiece, Lili Marleen (1981).

Giannini is well known for his dubbing of international stars. His fluency in English and mastery of dialects have brought him a number of supporting roles in Hollywood,  including,  A Walk in the Clouds (1995), Hannibal (2001), Darkness (2002) and Man on Fire (2004).  He appeared in Casino Royale (2006), and in the sequel, Quantum of Solace (2008).