Nino Castelnuovo (28 October 1936 – 6 September 2021) was an Italian film, television, and stage actor. He achieved international recognition for his role as Guy Foucher in the 1964 French musical film Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg), directed by Jacques Demy.
Early life and education
Castelnuovo was born in Genoa, Italy. He studied acting at the Accademia Nazionale di Arte Drammatica Silvio D'Amico in Rome, graduating in the late 1950s.
Career
- Film: Castelnuovo debuted in Italian cinema in the late 1950s, appearing in Il bell'Antonio (1960). His performance in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg garnered critical acclaim and introduced him to a broader European audience. He subsequently acted in a variety of Italian and international productions, including The Great War (La grande guerra, 1959), The Valachi Papers (1972), and The Last Kiss (L'ultimo bacio, 2001).
- Television: He was a regular presence on Italian television, starring in series such as Il segno del comando (1971) and La piovra (1990).
- Stage: Castelnuovo performed in numerous theatrical productions, notably in works by Luigi Pirandello and Carlo Goldoni, maintaining an active stage career throughout his life.
Personal life
Castelnuovo was married to actress and director Maria Teresa Lazzarini. The couple had two children. He resided in Rome for much of his later life.
Death
Nino Castelnuovo died on 6 September 2021 in Rome at the age of 84, after a brief illness.
Legacy
Regarded as a versatile actor who bridged Italian and French cinema, Castelnuovo is remembered for his contributions to post‑war European film and his enduring presence on screen and stage. His performance in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg remains a seminal work in musical film history.