British actor and comedian (1924–1963)
Mario Fabrizi |
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| Born | Mario Edgio Pantaleone Fabrizi
(1924-06-25)25 June 1924
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| Died | 5 April 1963(1963-04-05) (aged 38–39)
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| Occupation | Actor |
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| Years active | 1956–1963 |
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| Spouse |
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| Children | 1 |
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Mario Edgio Pantaleone Fabrizi (25 June 1924 – 5 April 1963) was an English comedian and actor of Italian descent, noted for his luxuriant moustache. He was active in Britain in the 1950s and early 1960s.[1][2]
Life
Fabrizi was born to Italian parents in Holborn, London, England, in 1924, his mother's maiden name being Pisani.[3] His father was a Vicomte (Italian: visconte), a title that Mario inherited on his father's death in 1959.[4] He married Katherine Boyne of Leeds on 28 May 1960.[4] They had a son, Anthony, in 1961.[5][6]
On 5 April 1963 Fabrizi died of a stress-related illness at his home in Neasden, London; his wife and son survived him. A week before his death, he had announced that he was leaving show business.[7]
His son Anthony is now a businessman based in the City of London.[8]
Career
On ITV, Fabrizi was well known for his role in Granada Television's popular series The Army Game, as Corporal "Moosh" Merryweather,[9] while on BBC television, he was a regular member of the ensemble cast of the Tony Hancock sitcom Hancock's Half Hour.[10][11] His most notable film role was as Neville Shanks, the photographer, in Hancock's 1963 film, The Punch and Judy Man.[12] He also worked frequently with Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan.[13]
He was buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Harrow Road, Kensal Green, London, W.10.
