Maurizio Merli
- Known For
- Acting
- Born
- February 8, 1940 in Rome, Lazio, Italy
- Died
- March 10, 1989 (aged 49)
- Active Years
- 1963–1987 (25 Years)
- Total Credits
- 37 credits in database
Biography
Maurizio Merli was an Italian film actor born in Rome on February 8, 1940. He is recognized for his work in Italian cinema throughout the 1970s, particularly as a prominent star of the poliziotteschi genre and Italian police thrillers. He also appeared in Spaghetti Westerns such as Mannaja. Merli secured his first lead role in 1974 in the film White Fang to the Rescue, a casting choice attributed to his physical resemblance to actor Franco Nero. His career included 36 known credits, with an early appearance in a Luchino Visconti film. Merli died on March 10, 1989, at the age of 49. According to reports, his death was caused by a myocardial infarction following a tennis match.
Career overview
Maurizio Merli was an Italian film actor born in Rome on February 8, 1940. Throughout the 1970s, he established himself as a versatile and charismatic leading man in Italian cinema. While his initial rise to fame is often attributed to his strong physical resemblance to the popular actor Franco Nero, Merli successfully carved out a distinct career, appearing in 36 known credits. His first appearance was in a film directed by Luchino Visconti. In 1974, he secured his first lead role in White Fang to the Rescue, stepping into a part previously played by Nero in the first two installments of the series.
Merli became a prominent figure in the Italian film industry, gaining particular recognition as a star of the poliziotteschi genre, which consists of Italian police thrillers. He also appeared in Spaghetti Westerns, including the film Mannaja. Over the course of his career, he starred in almost a dozen films within the police thriller genre. Merli remained active in the industry until his death on March 10, 1989, at the age of 49. According to reports, he died of a myocardial infarction following a tennis match.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
37 titles- The Man in the Movie Camera (2017)
- Blue Tango (1987) as Walter Mantegazza
- Spy Connection (1983) as Peter Wayne
- Priest of Love (1981) as Angelo Ravagli
- Vultures Over the City (1981) as Mark Spencieri
- The Rebel (1980) as Nick Rossi
- Skin Deep (1979) Sound Engineer
- Hunted City (1979) as Commissario Paolo Ferro
- From Corleone to Brooklyn (1979) as Commissario Giorgio Berni
- Magnum Cop (1978) as Walter 'Wally' Spada
- The Iron Commissioner (1978) as Commissario Mauro Mariani
- Convoy Busters (1978) as Police Commissioner Olmi
- Convoy Busters (1978) Stunts
- Covert Action (1978) as John Florio
- Seagulls Fly Low (1978) as Albert Morgan
- Highway Racer (1977) as Marco Palma
- Kleinhoff Hotel (1977) Boom Operator
- The Cynic, the Rat & the Fist (1977) as Leonardo Tanzi
- A Man Called Blade (1977) as Mannaja
- Violent Naples (1976) as Il commissario Betti
- A Special Cop in Action (1976) as Commissioner Betti
- Rome, Armed to the Teeth (1976) as Commissioner Leonardo Tanzi
- Fear in the City (1976) as Police Commissioner Mario Murri
- Violent Rome (1975) as Police Commissioner Betti
- White Fang to the Rescue (1975) as Burt Halloway
- Calling All Police Cars (1975) Boom Operator
- Il giovane Garibaldi (1974) as Giuseppe Garibaldi
- Chains (1974) as Alfio Capuano
- Philadelphia Story (1974) as George
- Sexy Sinners (1972) as Cecco - friend of Rinaldo
- Le mille e una notte all'italiana (1972)
- Raptus (1969) as Giornalista Barni
- Fenomenal and the Treasure of Tutankamen (1968)
- Two R-R-Ringos from Texas (1967) as Nordista
- Massacre Mania (1967)
- I grandi camaleonti (1964) as Charles
- The Leopard (1963) as (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Maurizio Merli best known for?
Maurizio Merli is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Priest of Love (1981), Skin Deep (1979), Magnum Cop (1978), The Iron Commissioner (1978).
When and where was Maurizio Merli born?
Maurizio Merli was born on February 8, 1940 in Rome, Lazio, Italy. They passed away on March 10, 1989.
How many credits does Maurizio Merli have?
Maurizio Merli has 37 film and television credits listed on archytele, with work dated between 1963 and 1987.
What is Maurizio Merli's background in cinema and television?
Maurizio Merli was an Italian film actor born in Rome on February 8, 1940. He is recognized for his work in Italian cinema throughout the 1970s, particularly as a prominent star of the poliziotteschi genre and Italian police thrillers. He also appeared in Spaghetti Westerns such as Mannaja. Merli secured his first lead...
Maurizio Merli by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Leopard (1963) as (uncredited) — aged about 23
- The Cynic, the Rat & the Fist (1977) as Leonardo Tanzi — aged about 37
- Rome, Armed to the Teeth (1976) as Commissioner Leonardo Tanzi — aged about 36
- Violent Naples (1976) as Il commissario Betti — aged about 36
- A Special Cop in Action (1976) as Commissioner Betti — aged about 36
- Violent Rome (1975) as Police Commissioner Betti — aged about 35
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