Who Are Those Guys? ~ Enzo Fiermonte

 

Vincenzo ‘Enzo’ Fiermonte was born in Bari, Puglia, Italy on July 17, 1908. He was a professional boxer from 1925 to 1934, achieving a record of 45 wins and 13 losses.

Following his boxing days, Fiermonte launched a prolific acting career starting in the early 1940s, debuting in Italian cinema with roles in films like “Merchant of Slaves” (1942) and “The Adventures of Fra Diavolo” (1942). He became a familiar face in peplum and sword-and-sandal epics, appearing in at least 45 such genre titles, as well as spaghetti westerns, with standout performances in William Wyler's “Ben-Hur” (1959) as a galley officer, Luchino Visconti's “Rocco and His Brothers” (1960), and Enzo Barboni's “Trinity Is Still My Name” (1971). His filmography also included literary adaptations like Renato Castellani's “Romeo and Juliet” (1954), where he portrayed Tybalt, showcasing his versatility in both antagonistic and supporting roles across more than 130 credits until the early 1980s. Fiermonte's later years were spent in Italy, where he passed away at age 84, leaving a legacy as a multifaceted figure in 20th-century Italian entertainment

Fiermonte was married twice: Tosca Manetti from 1929-1933 and then Madeleine Talmage Force Astor (1933-1938), the widow of John Jacob Astor IV. Notably, he was only four years older than his stepson, John Jacob Astor VI [1912-1992]. In 1937, he attempted to enter the Vanderbilt Cup auto race with his Maserati but was denied participation due to his lack of racing experience.

In total, Fiermonte took part in over 100 films, sometimes using pseudonyms, including William Stockridge and Glenn Foster. As a director Fiermonte used the pseudonym William Bird

Fiermonte's later years were spent in Italy, where he passed away at age 84 on March 22, 1993 in Mentana, Lazio, Italy, leaving a legacy as a multifaceted figure in 20th-century Italian entertainment.

FIERMONTE, Enzo (aka William Bird, Enzo Fiermann, Glen Fortel, Glenn Foster, William Stockridge) (Vincenzo Fiermonte) [7/17/1908, Bari, Puglia, Italy – 3/22/1993, Mentana, Lazio, Italy] – boxer, director, writer, film actor, married to married to Tosca Manetti [1907-deceased] (1929-1933) father of Giovanni ‘John’ Fiermonte [1930-    ], married to Madeleine Astor [1893-1940] (1933-1938), stepfather of John Jacob Astor VI [1912-1992].

Buffalo Bill in Rome – 1949 (Buffalo Bill)

The Greatest Robbery in the West – 1966 (Sheriff Martin Cooney) [as Glen Fortel]

The Ugly Ones – 1966 (Gage Novak) [as Glenn Foster]

Beyond the Law – 1967 (Sheriff John Ferguson)

A Minute to Pray, a Second to Die – 1967 (Doctor Chase)

A Long Ride from Hell – 1968 (Baldy Morris)

Two Pistols and a Coward – 1968 (man ate trading post)

Boot Hill – 1969 (Sharp)

The Forgotten Pistolero - 1969 (padre)

In the Name of the Father – 1969 (Sheriff Jones)

The Unholy Four – 1969 (Dodge City sheriff)

Trinity is STILL My Name – 1971 (Perla’s/Pearl’s father)

Vengeance Trail – 1971 (George Bridger)

Man of the East – 1972 (Frank Austin/Olsen)

They Call Him Veritas – 1972 (Confederate Captain)

Those Dirty Dogs – 1973 (Doctor Adams)

California – 1977 (father of Union soldier)

A Man Called Blade – 1977 (government agent)

Profession: Acrobat – a Afternoon with Riccardo Pizzuti – 2008 (Frank Austin) [archive

     footage]