Famous Italian actor Gigi Proietti died today, on his 80th birthday, Italian media report.
He was recovering in a hospital in Rome after cardiac problems.
In 50 years of a stunning career, the Rome actor took part in film, TV films and series, and theatre productions.
He also served as director in some of them.
Born in Rome in 1940, he was mostly famous for his roles in Il Maresciallo Rocca on Rai TV, with 16 million viewers every week..
He took part in 33 series, 42 films, 51 theatrical productions (of which 37 as a director) and issued 10 music albums, apart from directing 10 operas.
He was the presenter of Fantastico 4 on Rai TV in 1983.