Biography
Gino Cervi, born Luigi Cervi, was an Italian actor. He was born in Bologna on 3 May 1901, the son of theatre critic Antonio Cervi. He made his stage debut in 1924 and appeared in over 100 films as well as television productions.
Cervi was best known for playing Giuseppe Bottazzi, known as Peppone, the Communist mayor, in the Don Camillo film series (1952–1965), opposite Fernandel. He also portrayed Commissioner Jules Maigret in the Italian television series Le inchieste del commissario Maigret (1964–1972) and in the 1966 spin-off film Maigret a Pigalle, produced by his son Tonino Cervi.
In 1964 he appeared as Cardinal Zambelli in the film Becket. He was married to actress Ninì Gordini from 1928 and was the grandfather of actress Valentina Cervi. Cervi died on 3 January 1974 in Punta Ala, Italy.
