Duilio Pizzocchi: The Art of Laughter, Straight from Emilia
There are those who make people laugh, and then there’s Duilio Pizzocchi — a true master of Italian comedy. Born in Bologna in 1957, he has the rare gift of turning everyday scenes into unforgettable sketches, becoming a beloved figure for generations of audiences.
A Comedian Born on the Streets (and Radio Waves)
In the 1980s, Duilio made his mark on Emilia-Romagna’s local radio and TV, creating his first iconic characters: the bumbling painter, the absent-minded fortune teller, the tough truck driver. These weren’t caricatures but hilarious reflections of real Italian life.
Zelig, Theatre, and a Thousand Faces
His appearances on national TV shows like Zelig and Maurizio Costanzo Show brought him wider fame, but it’s on stage where he truly shines. Each show is a journey through an Italy full of quirks, dialects, nostalgia, and truths told with laughter.
His characters — from a grumpy old lady to a boastful mafia man, a snobbish fashion designer, and the devilish “Mefistocchi” — each hold a piece of Italy’s soul.
The Costipanzo Show and Comedic Brotherhood
In 1992, together with Giuseppe Giacobazzi, he founded the Costipanzo Show, a comedy variety show that still tours theaters and squares across Italy today. It perfectly captures Duilio’s spirit: comedy that never takes itself too seriously but is made with serious passion.
Film and the Written Word
In recent years, Duilio has also made his mark on the big screen, with roles in films like Volevo nascondermi, Acqua e anice, and Rapito. In 2020, he published Fuori scena. Risate a sipario chiuso, a collection of bittersweet stories from behind the scenes.
A Timeless Comedian
Duilio Pizzocchi is one of those rare artists who can make you smile not just with words, but with an expression, a gesture, a perfectly timed pause. This isn’t nostalgia; it’s true comedic craftsmanship. And in a fast-paced world, his slow, deep, and distinctly Bolognese laugh still has plenty to say.