Marcello Mastroianni portrayed Guido Anselmi, the protagonist of Federico Fellini's masterpiece 8½ (1963),which revolves around an artistic crisis faced by the filmmaker Guido Anselmi, who is struggling to create a film he has signed for. Guido Anselmi yearns for solitude and peace, but instead, he is constantly pressured by his producer, Pace, to start shooting. Pace was played by Guido Alberti, a 53-year-old newcomer at the time, who began his acting career and went on to make a name for himself in the film industry.
Guido Alberti was an accomplished character actor, known for his impressive presence and ability to embody authority figures, such as priests, police officers, and politicians. He appeared in a wide range of films, including Italian, European, and American productions, and worked with renowned directors like Fellini, Rosi, García Berlanga, Monicelli, Zurlini, and Polanski.
Despite his success, Guido Alberti's early life seemed destined for a different path. He was the son of industrialist Ugo Alberti, co-owner of the Strega Alberti Benevento company, and was expected to follow in his father's footsteps. However, Guido Alberti had literary and artistic inclinations, and in 1947, he founded the prestigious literary prize Premio Strega, a rare feat for an industrialist.
Guido Alberti eventually chose to pursue an acting career, and he went on to appear in numerous films, including the critically acclaimed Hands Over the City (1963) and Marco the Magnificent (1965). He was a scene stealer in even the smallest roles and was unforgettable as a right-wing party leader in Hands Over the City. Guido Alberti continued to work in film and television until his death in 1996, just a few days before his 87th birthday.
