Oreste Lionello, an Italian actor who dubbed the voices of Woody Allen and Charlie Chaplin in movies has died, aged 81.
Oreste Lionello passed away in Rome, Italy on Thursday (19Feb09) after a long illness, according to his friend director Pier Francesco Pingitore
Lionello was Italy's 'voice' of actors Allen and Chaplin, as well as Jerry Lewis, Gene Wilder and other comic stars.
He started out working in theatre as a comic actor and in cabaret, where he was noted for his imitations of veteran Italian politician Giulio Andreotti.
Lionello also worked successfully as an entertainer on Italian TV in the 1970s and 1980s.
The city of Rome plan to hold a wake for Lionello in City Hall, on Thursday (19Feb09) night, with his funeral slated for Saturday (21Feb09).
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