*Translated by Sara Pasino
VARESE – Bruno Arena died on September 28. Comedian, stand-up comedian, actor: he was the face of comedy in the province of Varese, known throughout Italy for being part of the duo “Fichi d’India”. Together with Max Cavallari he rode the stage of Zelig for years. He passed away at the age of 65.
«A huge void»
His son Gianluca gave the sad news with a message on social media: «I was not ready. But I would never have been. Have a good trip dad, you leave a huge void». Due to a disease (an aneurysm in 2013), which compromised his motor skills, he was forced to move away from the entertainment world. A world that, starting from the province of Varese, had made him famous in the whole country, together with his comedy partner Max since 1988. They created catchphrases and entertained entire generations with laughter.
Zelig and the film with Benigni
Their consecration came with the stage of Zelig, after the beginnings of “L’Arlecchino”, local Vedano Olona. Unstoppable imitation of the teleshopping of Sergio Baracco with the catchphrase “Amici hararara”. Roberto Benigni chose “Fichi” to play the Cat and the Fox in the movie “Pinocchio“. An interpretation that critics judged to be of a high level of comedy and acting. Many television appearances, as many in different films, always in comic roles. Their comedy, sometimes surreal, had won over the audience. Until that unfortunate month of January 2013 when, during a recording of an episode of Zelig, Bruno accused the illness that drove him away from the scenes.
In the meantime, messages of condolence from the entertainment world are also arriving. For example the actor Paolo Belli says: «Rip, my great friend», accompanied by a photo together.