Bruno Ricci from 'Bicycle Thieves'; actor Enzo Staiola passes away

ROME: Italian actor Enzo Staiola (85) has passed away. He passed away in Rome on Wednesday. Staiola played the role of Bruno Ricci in the masterpiece film "Bicycle Thieves" (1948) by the famous Italian filmmaker Vittorio De Sica.

Enzo Staiola played this character at the age of eight and gained worldwide attention. Staiola entered the film unexpectedly. De Sica was looking for a child from an ordinary family who could play Bruno. He happened to see Staiola on his way home from school. Then, De Sica went to Staiola's house and told his parents that he wanted to cast Staiola in his new film. Although he was hesitant at first, the family had to agree. Staiola starred in Bicycle Thieves without an audition.

Enzo Staiola also starred in films such as The Barefoot Contessa, Journey to Love, and Black Feathers. His last film role was in The Pajama Girl Case (1977). Staiola, a math teacher, also worked as a registry clerk. He is married to Anna. He has one son.