Rocco Papaleo

Clearly not satisfied with a career in only one aspect of entertainment, Rocco Papaleo is an acclaimed musician, author, director, and actor of both stage and screen. He first appeared on television as Rocco Melloni in the 1989 comedy series "Classe di ferro," a role that led to Papaleo switching gears from comedy to drama with his small part in the 1994 film "Senza pelle." In 1995, he starred with Massimo Ceccherini and Leonardo Pieraccioni in Pieracionni's romantic comedy "The Graduates," about three college roommates hoping to find love in the beautiful city of Florence. Papaleo went on to appear in five more of Pieraccioni's films, including the 2011 comedy "Finalmente la felicità." He showcased his musical talents to the world with his 1997 solo album "Che non si sappia in giro," featuring guest musicians such as Feist on saxophones and Daniele Silvestri on vocals. After appearing in more than thirty films, he got behind the camera for 2010's "Basilicata Coast to Coast," a musical comedy about four friends trekking across the region during the summer to attend a national music festival. The film was a great success, earning Papaleo two Nastro d'Argento Awards for Best Directorial Debut and Best Original Score, as well as three David di Donatello Awards.