Multiple RIPs

The PEPLUM universe lost more stars in March. Here's a quick rundown of these recent passings.


Tony Russel

Though not considered a big PEPLUM star like Steve Reeves or even Mark Forest, Tony had a good run of PEPLUM films in the latter part of the Golden Era. He died on March 18 at the age of 91.

Russel and Luciana Gilli in SWORD OF DAMASCUS (1964)

Tony with co-stars Piero Lulli and Renato Rossini (aka Howard Ross) in THE SPARTAN GLADIATOR (1964)

Tony with Helga Liné in THE SECRET SEVEN (1963)

Tomas Milian

Tomas Milian was a versatile actor who appeared in countless of films but he's mainly known as a Spaghetti Western films. He was amazing DJANGO KILL...IF YOU LIVE, SHOOT (1967). Tomas died on March 23 at the age of 84.

Milian as Raphael in THE AGONY & THE ECSTASY (1965) 

Millian in MESSALIN, MESSALINA (1977), a typically raunchy PEPLUM sex comedy of the 1970s

Lawrence Montaigne

Lawrence Montaigne was mainly a TV actor but his career started in PEPLUM films. He died on March 17 at the age of 86.

Lawrence in CAPTAIN SINDBAD (1963)

Lawrence in DAMON & PYTHIAS (1962)

Piero Leri

Piero Leri made a handful of PEPLUM films during his sporadic career. His most prominent role was in TRIUMPH OF MACISTE (1961). Piero died on March 2 at the age of 78.

Piero played Prince Iram in the classic TRIUMPH OF MACISTE (1961) starring Kirk Morris (below). His character sets the story forward.

Piero was also in HERCULES AGAINST THE MASKED RIDER starring Mimmo Palmara (1963)