Who Are Those Guys? ~ Andrea Fantasia

 

Franco Fantasia was born in Rhodes, Italy sometime in the 1920s. He’s the older brother of actor stuntman Franco Fantasia [1924-2002]. Fantasia was an accomplished fencer and rider and he was credited as Master of Arms and Fencing Master on a number of films, often together with Franco. Besides being an astute fencer and stuntman who performed his own stunts in duels and riding, he very rarely got involved in physical fight scenes and generally his roles were more driven by character than action.

His known film career started in 1955, although since Franco had already been working in films for a few years by that time Andrea could also be in some earlier appearances in uncredited roles. Up until the mid-1960's Andrea worked almost exclusively in swashbucklers and peplums, making his mark playing the role of King Laertes in “Le fatiche di Ercole” (Hercules) starring Steve Reeves and reprising the role in two later films. In the late 1960's he moved into westerns, being cast usually as sheriffs or judges. While not prolific, he nevertheless continued working steadily through the 1970's in smaller parts with his final known roles being in the early 1980's. In all Andrea appeared in over 60 films between 1955 and 1984. 

Andrea Fantasia died in Rome on November 2, 1985.

FANTASIA, Andrea (aka Fantasia, Andrew Hart, Andrew Robertson) [192?, Rhodes, Italy – 11/2/1985, Rome, Lazio, Italy] – producer, production manager, master of arms, fencing master, stuntman, film actor, the brother of production manager, assistant director, sword master, stuntman, film, TV actor Franco Fantasia (Francesco Fantasia) [1924-2002].

Buffalo Bill, Hero of the Far West – 1964 (sergeant)

The Return of Clay Stone – 1964 (Sheriff Russell) [as Andrew Hart]

Three Dollars of Lead – 1964 (Raf) [as Andrew Hart]

El Rojo – 1966

Face to Face – 1967 (council chairman)

Wanted – 1967 (Amos Sutton)

Blood Calls to Blood – 1968 (Remendado) [stunts]

The Long Day of the Massacre – 1968 (judge)

The Nephews of Zorro – 1968 (Lieutenant Gonzales)

$20,000 for Seven – 1968 (Miller)

Zorro the Fox – 1968 (Don Carlos de Altamura)

Fistful of Lead – 1970 (Mantas’ henchman)

Drummer of Vengeance – 1971 (circus Indian) [as Andrew Robertson]

The Son of Zorro – 1973 (Don José Herrera)

White Fang and the Gold Diggers - 1974 (sheriff)

White Fang and the Hunter – 1975 (RCMP captain)