Trivia

His wife, Simonetta Stefanelli, played Michael Corleone's (Al Pacino) beautiful young Sicilian wife Apollonia in Le Parrain (1972).

Although he voluntarily worked at a police station, he finally became an actor. Ironically, the role of "Commissario Catani" on La Mafia 7 - Enquête sur la mort du commissaire Cattani (1984) made him an international TV star.

Has five children: Violante Placido (b.1976), Michelangelo Placido (b.1990) and Brenno Placido (b.1991) with Simonetta Stefanelli; Inigo Placido (b.1988) with Virginie Alexandre and Gabriele Placido (b. 2006) with Federica Vincenti.

Made his stage debut in 1969.

Received Italy's Order of Merit, 2nd Class (2005).

Brother of Gerardo Amato and Donato Placido.

Member of the jury at the Venice Film Festival in 2006.

Studied at the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica.

Grandfather of Vasco (Violante's son).

Supporter of the center-left Italian Democratic Party (PD) led by Walter Veltroni.

Born on the exact day and year as André the Giant May 19, 1946.