Francisco
‘Franco’ Fantasia was born on March 5, 1924 in Rhodes, Italy. The brother of
actor Andrea Fantasia [19??-1985] he wore many hats during his 50+ year film career. Franco
was a stuntman, fencing master and therefore is seen in many swashbuckler,
pirate, Robin Hood, Musketeer and Zorro films. He later became a master of arms
and an assistant director. He appeared in over 130 films from 1951 to 2002,
with many becoming cult classics. Among the more well known titles he appeared
in were “Zombi 2” (1979) directed by Lucio Fulci, and “Mangiati vivi!” (Eaten Alive!) directed by Umberto
Lenzi. Fantasia appeared in over 20 Euro-westerns from “Buffalo Bill in the Far
West” (1964) to “Buck at the Edge of Heaven” (1991). He’s probably best
identified with his role as Ocaño in “Adios, Sabata” (1971) starring Yul
Brynner. He sometimes was billed under the aliases Frank Farrell and Frank
Fontana.Franco passed away in Rome, Italy in 2002. He was 78.
Today we remember Franco Fantasia on what would have been his 90th birthday.
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