Sergio Tofano

Sergio Tòfano, actor, director, playwright, scene designer and illustrator - Rome, Italy, August 20, 1883 - October 28, 1973.

In 1909 Tofano made his first appearance on stage with Ermete Novelli[?], then joined Virgilio Talli[?]'s company (1913-1923). He soon specialized as a comic actor, giving his role a new elegance and complexity. He worked with other famous actors and directors: Dario Niccodemi[?] (1924-1927); Luigi Almirante[?] and Giuditta Rissone[?] (1927-1930), Elsa Merlini[?], Vittorio De Sica, Evi Maltagliati[?], Gino Cervi[?] etc. During those years, he made his famous performances as Doctor Knock in Jules Romains[?]' play, and as Professor Toti in Luigi Pirandello's "Pensaci, Giacomino!". After the War, he worked with the most important directors, like Luchino Visconti and Giorgio Strehler[?].

In 1917 Tofano invented, for a children's magazine, Il Corriere dei Piccoli, a famous character, Signor Bonaventura[?], whose adventures lasted for more than forty years.