Giuliano Gemma, a renowned Italian actor, was born on September 2, 1938, in Rome, Italy. Despite growing up in Reggio Emilia, he returned to Rome with his parents in 1944. His childhood was marked by a significant event, where he accidentally stumbled upon a World War II bomb while playing on the grass, which resulted in lasting scars on his face.
Throughout his life, Giuliano was an athletic individual who participated in various sports, including boxing, gymnastics, and tennis. He even worked in a circus, showcasing his versatility. However, it was his passion for cinema that truly defined his early years. He was heavily influenced by renowned Italian actors and idolized the American actor Burt Lancaster, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in acting.
Giuliano began his acting career as a stuntman and appeared in small roles in prominent productions, including the uncredited role in the film "Bem Hur." His breakthrough came when the director Duccio Tessari cast him as the protagonist in the film "Arrivano i Titani." He later worked with Luchino Visconti in "Il gattopardo," although his scenes were mostly cut.
Giuliano's subsequent roles in "Angelica" and the first spaghetti western films, where he was credited as Montgomery Wood, solidified his position in the industry. Some of his most notable works include "Una pistola per Ringo," "Il ritorno di Ringo," and "Un dollaro bucato." He also appeared in significant films like "Il deserto dei Tartari" and "Il prefettodi ferro."
Throughout his illustrious career, Giuliano won numerous awards, including the best actor award at the Karlovy Vary Festival, the Montréal Film Festival, and the Grolla d'Oro in the San Vincent Festival. In 1986, he was honored with the title of Cavaliere della Repubblica italiana.
In his later years, Giuliano primarily worked in Italian television and discovered a new passion for sculpture, which he has become rather skilled at. He is the proud father of two daughters, actress Vera Gemma and Giuliana Gemma, who have followed in his footsteps in the entertainment industry.
