Sergio Fantoni, R.I.P.

Sergio Fantoni in ESTHER AND THE KING (1960)

PEPLUM star Sergio Fantoni died on Friday April 17 at the age of 89. His most famous role is that of Eteocles in HERCULES UNCHAINED (1959). He was so good in it that Hollywood took note and he eventually starred in some Hollywood productions such as THE PRIZE (1963) and VON RYAN'S EXPRESS (1965), among other titles. He often played villains but was never overtly campy about it. He always gave an air of realism to his characters. I'm a fan of his work and he will be missed. R.I.P..

There's no info on how he died and if it was related to the current Coronavirus pandemic.

THE LION OF AMALFI (1950)

Sergio Fantoni battles it out with Vittorio Gassman. Directed by Pietro Francisci. 

CAPTAIN PHANTOM  (aka Captain Fantasma; 1953)

Sergio has a good role in this fun actioner. Just by the look of him, guess what kind of role he played.

IL PRINCIPE DALLA MASCHERA ROSSA (1955)

IMDb credits Sergio in this movie but it's hard to find him. The man in the background, who is never named or has lines, is the only actor who sorta resembles him. It's hard he would accept such a small role while his star was rising. Starring Frank Latimore.


HERCULES UNCHAINED (1959)

Above and below: Sergio gives a memorable performance as the mad Eteocles who confronts Hercules (Steve Reeves). He steals almost every scene he's in. Fantoni previously worked with director Pietro Francisci in THE LION OF AMALFI.

CATERINA SFORZA (1959)

Sergio and Virna Lisi. A good role for the excellent actor.

THE NIGHT OF THE GREAT ATTACK (1959)

Sergio in another starring role in this rarely seen movie.

THE GIANT OF MARATHON (1959)

Sergio with Ivo Garrani, Mylène Demongeot and Steve Reeves

Another good role for Sergio in a classic PEPLUM. He plays a villain, again, but he's not cartoonish by any means. 

Above and below: Sergio with Mylène Demongeot (above) and Daniela Rocca (below)

ESTHER AND THE KING (1960)

Above and below: Sergio in his first American productions, co-starring Richard Egan. Of all the characters in this 'colourful' movie, Sergio brought the most levity to it. He's very good and the role is reminiscent of the one he played in HERCULES UNCHAINED but less crazy.

CATHERINE OF RUSSIA (1963)

Sergio was good in this Umberto Leni mini historical drama. He had good chemistry with Hildegard Knef (below) who played the titular role.

KALI YUG - GODDESS OF VENGEANCE (1963)

Sergio as Ram Chand, with Lex Barker.

KALI YUG - THE MYSTERY OF THE INDIAN TEMPLE (1963)

Sergio reprises his role as Ram Chad in this sequel.

Sergio also appeared in some TV series and movies. Hope you enjoyed this overview of Sergio Fantoni's career. He continued on acting in non-PEPLUM movies for most of his life.

Sergio in THE GIANT OF MARATHON. A recent photo of the actor before he died.