Introduction
Claudio Gregori, widely recognized by his stage name “Greg,” is a notable figure in Italian entertainment. Born on November 17, 1963, in Rome, Italy, Greg has made a significant impact as a comedian, actor, and television personality. Alongside his professional partner Pasquale Petrolo, known as “Lillo,” Greg has carved out a distinguished career in Italian comedy, television, and film. This article provides an in-depth look into Greg’s life, career milestones, and his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Claudio Gregori was born in Rome in 1963. His early life was characterized by a passion for the performing arts, which would later define his career. In the early 1980s, Gregori and Pasquale Petrolo, who would later become his professional partner, began their careers in the world of comic book publishing. They worked as comic authors at the ACME publishing house, where Greg worked on “Sergio” and Lillo focused on “Zio Tibia.”
However, the closure of ACME in 1991 left Gregori and Petrolo jobless. Seizing the opportunity, they decided to pivot their careers towards music. They formed a comedy musical group called Latte & i Suoi Derivati, which marked the beginning of their transition into the broader entertainment industry.
Rise to Fame
The real breakthrough for Gregori and Petrolo came with their involvement in the iconic Italian television program “Le Iene”. This show, which debuted on Italia 1, became a significant platform for the duo. Their innovative approach to comedy and satire quickly captured the public’s imagination, establishing them as prominent figures in Italian television.
In 1999, Gregori made his film debut with a small role in Giorgio Panariello’s comedy “Bagnomaria.” This marked the beginning of his film career, which would later see him in various roles across a range of genres.
2000s: Television and Film Expansion
The early 2000s were a period of prolific work for Gregori. In May 2000, he and Lillo launched “Telenauta ’69”, a show dedicated to paying tribute to 1960s Italian television, featuring classic programs like “Canzonissima” and “Studio 1.” The following year, they joined the cast of the satirical program “L’ottavo nano” alongside Serena Dandini and Corrado Guzzanti.
Gregori and Lillo continued to expand their presence in television with several projects, including “Blek Giek”, a dark comedy film by Enrico Caria, and “Mmmh!”, a show that showcased their unique comedic style. Their contributions to the entertainment industry were not limited to television and film; they also ventured into radio, hosting the popular show “610” on RadioDue.
The duo’s versatility was evident in their involvement in various formats. They became commentators for the Japanese show “Takeshi’s Castle”, and they created and presented “Bla Bla Bla”, a parody of talk shows, on Raidue.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Gregori and Petrolo continued to make significant contributions to Italian entertainment. They starred in and produced numerous television shows, films, and radio programs. Their work in “Normalman”, a comedic character created for GXT, and their appearances in “Un medico in famiglia” are notable highlights of this period.
One of the significant achievements of this era was the release of “Lillo e Greg – The movie!”, a collection of digital sketches directed by Luca Rea. This project was distributed via DVD, satellite, and the Internet, reflecting the duo’s ability to adapt to new media formats.
In 2008, Gregori and Lillo made a return to “Le Iene” and joined “Parla con me” on Raitre, where they continued to build their reputation as leading figures in Italian comedy. Their involvement in “Victor Victoria” on La7 showcased their ongoing relevance and creativity.
The 2010s and Beyond
The 2010s saw Gregori and Lillo continuing their successful careers with various projects. They participated in “Mettiamoci all’opera” and provided commentary for the game show “Wipeout” on GXT. Their foray into voice acting included roles in the film “Humpday – Un mercoledì da sballo”, where Gregori voiced the character Ben and Lillo voiced Andrew.
Their television presence remained strong, with notable appearances on “Parla con me” and participation in the Sanremo Festival in 2011. They also had roles in “Nessuno mi può giudicare”, a comedy directed by Massimiliano Bruno, and “Il fascino discreto della parola”, a short film inspired by Maurizio Costanzo’s book.
In 2012, they appeared in “The show must go off” on La7 and contributed to the comedy “Com’è bello far l’amore”. Their role in “Colpi di fulmine”, where Gregori played an ambassador and Lillo was his driver, proved commercially successful, grossing over ten million euros at the box office.
Recent Projects and Current Endeavors
In recent years, Gregori and Lillo have continued to captivate audiences with their diverse projects. They hosted the David di Donatello awards ceremony in 2013 and appeared in acclaimed films such as “La grande bellezza” by Paolo Sorrentino and “Mi rifaccio vivo” by Sergio Rubini.
Their work in animation, including roles in “Epic – Il mondo segreto”, and their participation in “Un Natale stupefacente” further demonstrate their versatility. In 2015, they featured in “Natale col boss”, a comedy directed by Volfango De Biasi, showcasing their enduring appeal in the Italian film industry.
Conclusion
Claudio Gregori’s career is a testament to his talent and adaptability. From his early days in comic book publishing to becoming a household name in Italian comedy and entertainment, Gregori has consistently demonstrated his creative prowess. His collaboration with Lillo has been a defining feature of his career, leading to numerous successful projects across television, film, and radio.
Gregori’s impact on Italian entertainment is significant, and his contributions continue to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike. As he continues to explore new creative avenues, Gregori remains a prominent and influential figure in the industry.
