Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1948-09-18
- Born Place: Catania, Italy
Also Known As:
Mimmo Gennaro
Domenico Gennaro
Domenico Gennaro (also credited as Mimmo Gennaro, born September 18, 1948, in Catania, Sicily) is a distinguished Italian character actor celebrated for his deep, often gritty portrayals in film, television, and theatre. A proud Sicilian, he launched his acting career in the early 1980s, frequently stepping into roles associated with mafia figures—a niche he would come to embody, notably as Armando Ognibene in Pizza Connection (1985) and as Domenico Spina in Tornatore’s Il camorrista (1986) . Gennaro’s collaboration with acclaimed director Giuseppe Tornatore was recurrent, featuring in major works like L’uomo delle stelle (1995) and the iconic Malèna (2000), where he appeared as the town pharmacist . He continued to deliver compelling performances in notable films such as Il divo (2008), portraying real-life mafioso Francesco Marino Mannoia, and Il traditore (2019). On television, Gennaro has left his mark in series including La piovra, Il commissario Montalbano, and Linda e il brigadiere, where he often contributed richly colored supporting roles. His screen presence draws deeply on his Sicilian roots and his distinctive ability to bring textured authenticity to every part. In theatre, Gennaro remains deeply involved with Sicilian cultural heritage, performing works ranging from Ignazio Buttitta to Giuseppe Fava. He has partnered with directors like Armando Pugliese and staged significant productions, including Muraturi in Sicilian dialect. With a career spanning over four decades, Gennaro continues to act in both cinema and theatre, recently appearing in I nostri ieri (2022) and Indagine di famiglia (2024). His work encompasses acting, occasional direction, and involvement in cultural projects, solidifying him as a pillar of Italian character acting, deeply rooted in his Sicilian identity.
Person History
Malena 2000
2000