Salvatore Billa
Biography
Salvatore Billa was an Italian male actor and stuntman born in Catania, Sicily, on 31 March 1943. His career spanned from the early 1960s to the early 2000s, during which he appeared in more than one hundred films, ranging from uncredited extra parts to substantial supporting roles. He was especially active in the 1970s and 1980s. Among his film credits are Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America, Federico Fellini’s Ginger and Fred, Rosario Trapanese’s Squadra antifurto, Don Carluccio Trepalle’s I guappi and Giuseppe Tornatore’s L’uomo delle stele. Billa also worked in television, most notably portraying the character known as “the Camo.” He died on 22 May 2006 at the age of 63.
Career overview
Salvatore Billa was born on 31 March 1943 in Catania, Sicily, Italy, and pursued a career as an actor and stuntman. Beginning in the early 1960s, he worked steadily for four decades, appearing in more than one hundred motion‑picture productions. While many of his roles were uncredited or limited to background work, he also secured supporting parts that placed him alongside prominent directors. Among the titles in which he is listed are Sergio Leone’s crime epic Once Upon a Time in America, Federico Fellini’s Ginger and Fred, Rosario Trapanese’s Squadra antifurto, Don Carluccio Trepalle’s I guappi, and Giuseppe Tornatore’s L’uomo delle stele. His filmography, recorded as 85 credited appearances on major databases, reflects a versatile presence across Italian genre cinema of the 1970s and 1980s.
In addition to his extensive work on the big screen, Billa contributed to television drama series, most notably portraying a character referred to as “the Camo.” This television role is cited as his most recognizable part among TV audiences. His career continued into the early 2000s, after which he retired from active performance. Salvatore Billa died on 22 May 2006 at the age of 63, leaving behind a body of work that spans both cinematic and televised Italian entertainment.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
85 titles- The Second Wedding Night (2005)
- Gangs of New York (2002) as Native (uncredited)
- White Uno (2001)
- Excellent Cadavers (1999) as Initiation Mafioso
- Li chiamarono... briganti! (1999) as Soldier
- The Star Maker (1995) as Prince
- Magnificat (1993)
- Circle of Fear (1992) as Interpol Agent
- Year of the Gun (1991) as Cop
- The Godfather Part III (1990) as Lucchesi Guard (uncredited)
- The Voice of the Moon (1990) as (uncredited)
- The Miser (1990)
- Fantozzi to the Rescue (1990) as Mafioso
- Tre colonne in cronaca (1990) as Un arabo
- Tomato (1990)
- Il bambino e il poliziotto (1989) as Carmelo Privitera
- The Invisible Ones (1988)
- The Shatterer (1987)
- Ginger and Fred (1986) as Clark Gable
- National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) as Policeman (uncredited)
- The Repenter (1985) as fratello di Vanni Ragusa
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) as Beefy's Thug (uncredited)
- And the Ship Sails On (1983) as Cameriere (uncredited)
- Ironmaster (1983)
- Favoriti e vincenti (1983) as Saverio
- Count Tacchia (1982)
- My Darling, My Dearest (1982)
- The Hawk and the Dove (1981)
- Fear in the City (1981) as Il ladro siciliano
- Contraband (1980) as Marsigliese Thug
- The Persian Lamb Coat (1980) as uno dei ladri
- Gegè Bellavita (1979) as Man hiring staff
- From Corleone to Brooklyn (1979) as Giuseppe Caruso
- The Son of the Sheik (1978) as amico di Luigi
- Magnum Cop (1978)
- The Gun (1978) as ispettore di Polizia
- The Payoff (1978) as Cliente del bar
- Corleone (1978) as Carmelo
- Blood and Diamonds (1978) as Tony's Henchman
- I Am the Law (1977) as Dino
- The Cynic, the Rat & the Fist (1977) as Salvatore
- Brothers Till We Die (1977) as Hitman
- The Heroin Busters (1977) as Narcotics Agent
- A Man Called Magnum (1977) as Club Bouncer
- Destruction Force (1977) as Minone
- Werewolf Woman (1976) as Rapist
- Street People (1976) as Killer in Sicilia
- Hit Squad (1976) as Rosario Trapanese
- The Big Racket (1976) as Barrera
- Rulers of the City (1976) as Luigi's Bagman
- Fear in the City (1976) as Maria Esposito's Lover (uncredited)
- Free Hand for a Tough Cop (1976) as Tomati Thug
- Young, Violent, Dangerous (1976) as Forger
- House of Pleasure for Women (1976) as Barman (uncredited)
- Loaded Guns (1975) as Silvera Henchman
- Kidnap Syndicate (1975) as Pardi Thug
- Savage Three (1975) as Police Officer (uncredited)
- Calling All Police Cars (1975) as Man in the city
- Go Gorilla, Go! (1975) as Bodyguard (uncredited)
- Manhunt in the City (1975) as Mario's Thug (uncredited)
- Italian Sex (1974) as "Tarzan"
- Blood Brothers (1974) as Don Carluccio Tre Palle
- Shoot First, Die Later (1974) as Det. Rizzo
- The Girl in Room 2A (1974) as Chief Henchman
- Court Martial (1974) as Sgt. Ballinger
- The Proof of love (1974) as Trade unionist
- The Boss (1973) as Sacco
- The Black Hand (1973)
- 24 Hours... Not a Minute More (1973)
- Sotto a chi tocca! (1972) as Siriano
- Return of the Holy Ghost (1972) as Sergeant William Barrett
- The Devil's Lover (1972) as Kidnapper (uncredited)
- Gunmen and the Holy Ghost (1972) as Carmelo
- Blindman (1971) as Domingo Henchman
- Return of Sabata (1971) as Townsman (uncredited)
- Vengeance Is a Dish Served Cold (1971) as Ted
- Trastevere (1971) as Bar Patron (uncredited)
- Adiós, Sabata (1970) as Manuel Garcia Otello
- The Unholy Four (1970) as John
- Django Challenges Sartana (1970) as Singer Henchman
- Io e Dio (1970) as Giuseppe
- Romeo and Juliet (1968) as Complementary Role (uncredited)
- Beyond the Law (1968) as Diego, Burton Bandit
- The Bible: In the Beginning... (1966) as Abraham's Follower (uncredited)
- Grand Prix (1966) as Policeman (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Salvatore Billa best known for?
Salvatore Billa is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Gangs of New York (2002), Chiritotechin (2007), The Godfather Part III (1990), Fantozzi to the Rescue (1990).
When and where was Salvatore Billa born?
Salvatore Billa was born on March 31, 1943 in Catania, Sicily, Italy. They passed away on May 22, 2006.
How many credits does Salvatore Billa have?
Salvatore Billa has accumulated over 85 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1966 to 2005.
What is Salvatore Billa's background in cinema and television?
Salvatore Billa was an Italian male actor and stuntman born in Catania, Sicily, on 31 March 1943. His career spanned from the early 1960s to the early 2000s, during which he appeared in more than one hundred films, ranging from uncredited extra parts to substantial supporting roles. He was especially active in the 1970...
Salvatore Billa by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984) as Beefy's Thug (uncredited) — aged about 41
- Corleone (1978) as Carmelo — aged about 35
- The Godfather Part III (1990) as Lucchesi Guard (uncredited) — aged about 47
- Romeo and Juliet (1968) as Complementary Role (uncredited) — aged about 25
- Gangs of New York (2002) as Native (uncredited) — aged about 59
- The Bible: In the Beginning... (1966) as Abraham's Follower (uncredited) — aged about 23
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