The Bud Spencer & Terence Hill PEPLUM connection

Terence Hill and Bud Spencer in TRINITY IS STILL MY NAME (1971)

One of the most popular duos in cinematic history was the teaming of Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, two Italian actors who changed their names and went on making dozens of popular movies from the 1960s to the 1990s. Like so many Italian actors or directors or producers, the two actors began their careers in PEPLUM movies before they became the famous duo. In fact, both Terence and Bud starred in HANNIBAL (1959) even though they don't share scenes together.

Bud Spencer aka Carlo Pedersoli

Carlo was an Olympic swimmer who began his film career in bit parts. One of these bit parts was in QUO VADIS (1951). He went on to appear in HANNIBAL (1959) but then stopped acting until 1967 in GOD FORGIVES...I DON'T! Thanks to happenstance, Terence Hill would be cast in that movie after the original actor was injured.

Peter Ustinov and Bud Spencer in QUO VADIS (1951)

Bud in HANNIBAL (1959)

Terence Hill aka Mario Girotti

Unlike Carlo, Mario was a full time actor and had substantial roles in the 1950s and 60s. He and Carlo both appeared in HANNIBAL but shared no scenes.

Mario with Rita Gam in HANNIBAL (1959)

Mario in CARTHAGE IN FLAMES (1960)

He was still credited as Mario Girotti when he appeared as the handsome prince in THE WONDERS OF ALADDIN (1961)

He changed his name to Terence Hill for GOD FORGIVES...I DON'T! which also starred Carlo, who also changed his name and became known as Bud Spencer. The movie was a big hit and the rest is history.

You can read Terence's account of their careers at the official Terence Hill website.