Remembering Massimo Troisi: The Iconic Star of Il Postino
Italy is commemorating the beloved Neapolitan actor, screenwriter, and director Massimo Troisi on the 30th anniversary of his passing. Three decades later, Troisi remains a revered figure in Italian cinema, having tragically died of a heart attack at the age of 41 on June 4, 1994, just hours after completing filming for Michael Radford’s acclaimed movie, Il Postino (The Postman), which he co-wrote and starred in.
Despite his early departure, Troisi received posthumous Oscar nominations for best screenplay and best actor in a leading role for his work in Il Postino, a film that also won an Academy Award for its soundtrack.
Born in San Giorgio a Cremano, a suburb of Naples, on February 19, 1953, Troisi battled serious heart issues since childhood but rose to fame as an actor, debuting on stage at the age of 15. He went on to establish himself as a prominent figure in Italian theatre, cabaret, and television, achieving widespread recognition with his directorial debut, Ricomincio da tre, in 1981.
Throughout his career, Troisi collaborated with renowned actors like Roberto Benigni and Marcello Mastroianni, directing award-winning films and capturing hearts with his portrayal of Mario Ruoppolo in Il Postino, a role that resonated globally.
Despite his declining health during the filming of Il Postino, Troisi’s dedication to his craft was unwavering, as he postponed critical heart surgery to finish the movie. His untimely death sparked an immense outpouring of grief in Italy, where he is memorialized with a statue in San Giorgio a Cremano, honoring his final role as Il Postino.
Massimo Troisi’s legacy as a multifaceted talent and a cinematic icon continues to resonate, three decades after his departure.
Photo credit: ANSA
