Anthony Jacquin

Born Mario Girotti in Venice, Italy, Terence Hill began his acting career as a child. He gained international recognition for his roles in action and comedy films, often collaborating with his longtime partner Bud Spencer. During his peak popularity, Hill was one of Italy's most highly compensated actors.

His filmography includes notable spaghetti Westerns, some adapted from novels by Karl May. Hill also achieved significant success in Italian television, notably portraying the main character in the long-running series "Don Matteo." He later ventured into directing and producing his own projects.

Terence Hill, born Mario Girotti on March 29, 1939, in Venice, Italy, spent his early childhood in Lommatzsch, Saxony. His mother was German, and his father was Italian. A formative experience during his youth was witnessing the bombing of Dresden during World War II, an event that left a significant impression on him. He pursued classical literature studies at an Italian university for three years, indicating an interest in academic and philosophical pursuits beyond his acting career.

Hill's acting journey commenced at the age of twelve when discovered by filmmaker Dino Risi. He appeared in various films throughout his youth and early adulthood, taking on supporting roles and eventually leading parts. A pivotal moment in his career was his collaboration with Bud Spencer (born Carlo Pedersoli). Their partnership began with the spaghetti Western "God Forgives... I Don't!" (1967), which became a major success and established Hill as a star. To enhance international appeal, he adopted the stage name Terence Hill. This partnership led to a series of popular action-comedy films that defined a significant portion of his career.

Hill's international fame grew with films like "Lo chiamavano Trinità" (They Call Me Trinity) and its sequel "...continuavano a chiamarlo Trinità" (Trinity Is Still My Name), which achieved widespread success. He also starred alongside Henry Fonda in "Il mio nome è Nessuno" (My Name Is Nobody), a film he personally favored. While he moved to the United States and appeared in English-language films, some of which were box office disappointments, he continued to produce and direct. His directorial work includes "The World of Don Camillo" (1984) and "My Name Is Thomas" (2018), showcasing his expanding role behind the camera.

Beyond his film work, Terence Hill achieved considerable success in Italian television. He starred as the title character in the long-running Rai 1 series "Don Matteo" from 2000 to 2022, playing a parish priest who aids in solving local crimes. This role earned him international accolades. He also led the series "Un passo dal cielo" (One Step from Heaven) for Rai Uno. Throughout his extensive career, Hill has demonstrated versatility, moving between genres and taking on roles that have cemented his status as a prominent figure in European cinema and television.

“They were looking for a boy gang leader and they found me”