Gigi Proietti, the much-loved Roman actor, director, musician and comedian, died in Rome today, 2 November, on his 80th birthday. Proietti had been in hospital for heart problems in recent days but was rushed to intensive care yesterday evening in a serious condition, reportedly suffering heart failure.

Born in Rome in 1940, Proietti studied for law before embarking on a long and highly successful career in theatre, film, music and television in the early 1960s. Celebrated for his talents as a storyteller and his ability to make people laugh, Proietti was considered one of the greatest exponents in the history of Italian theatre.