Born in Ixelles/Etterbeek, a part of Brussels, Giani Esposito was the son of an Italian father and a French mother. His early life was marked by a unique cultural heritage, as he spent his childhood between Paris and Italy between 1939 and 1949. This formative period would later influence his artistic endeavors.
Esposito's journey as an actor began in French cinema in 1951, with a small role in Maitre après Dieu, directed by Louis Daquin. Concurrently, he launched a singing career, performing at esteemed cabarets such as La Rose Rouge and L'Ecluse. His breakthrough as a singer came in 1957 with the successful song Le Clown.
In addition to his performances, Esposito was a prolific poet and published several books, often accompanied by his own illustrations. His personal life was marked by a significant partnership with Pascale Petit, whom he met in 1959, and the birth of their daughter Douchka in 1966.
Throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, Esposito continued to act in numerous French and Italian films, including Huis clos, French cancan, Les mauvaises rencontres, Les Misérables, Paris nous appartient, and Il Decameron. He also appeared in telefilms and television series between 1957 and 1973.
In 1971, Esposito met Ersie Pittas, niece of the renowned Greek director Michael Cacoyannis, and began a unique show in which he recited poetry while dancing. This innovative performance was showcased in France during a 1972-1973 tour.
Tragically, Esposito's life was cut short due to an overload of projects and a sudden onset of viral hepatitis and a brain tumor in late 1973. He passed away on New Year's Day, January 1, 1974, in Neuilly-sur-Seine.
