Fantoni was born in Rome on August 7, 1930, to the actor Cesare Fantoni [1905-1963]. He began his career appearing in films, radio dramas, television and theatrical productions in the late 1940s. He made his debut film appearance alongside his father in the 1949 film “Anthony of Padua”.
In addition to working mainly in Italy, he starred in international productions as well. Fantoni made several appearances in Hollywood films in the 1960s, most notably in “The Prize” and “Von Ryan's Express”. In 1960, he played the villainous Haman in “Esther and the King”, starring Joan Collins and Richard Egan in the title roles. Among his roles in the U.K., Fantoni appeared alongside Anglo-Italian actress Cherie Lunghi in the Channel 4 television series ‘The Manageress’.
Sergio was also a voice actor. He most notably dubbed Marlon Brando’s voice in “Apocalypse Now”. He also provided voice-overs for Henry Fonda, Rock Hudson, Gregory Peck, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sydow and Robert Taylor in at least one or two of their movies.
Fantoni was married to actress Valentina Fortunato [1928-2019] from 1961 until her death in 2019. They had one daughter, Monica, born in 1968.
In 1997, Fantoni underwent a laryngectomy, which caused problems for his voice. Because of this, he devoted himself mainly to directing until his retirement in 2003.
Unfortunately, Sergio appeared in only one Euro-western as Colonel Enrique Fierro in 1972’s “Bad Man’s River” with Lee Van Cleef, Gina Lollobrigida and Gianni Garko.
Sergio Fantoni died on 17 April 2020, at the age of 89.
FANTONI, Sergio [8/7/1930, Rome, Lazio,
Italy – 4/17/2020, Rome, Lazio, Italy] – director, theater, film, radio, TV,
voice actor, son of actor Cesare Fantoni [1905-1963] actress Afra Arrigoni
Fantoni [190?-1960], married to Valentina Fortunato [1928-2019] (1961-1972) father
of Monica Fantoni [1968- ], received a
lifetime achievement award [2002].
Bad Man’s River – 1972 (Colonel Enrique Fierro)
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