Dino De Laurentiis

Date of Birth: August 8, 1919

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: November 10, 2010

Biography

Agostino “Dino” De Laurentiis was an influential Italian film producer born on August 8, 1919, in Torre Annunziata, Campania, Italy. De Laurentiis began his career in the Italian film industry and quickly rose to prominence with his work on neorealist films. He is best known for producing iconic films such as “La Strada” (1954) and “Nights of Cabiria” (1957), both directed by Federico Fellini, which won Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. In the 1970s, De Laurentiis moved to the United States, where he continued his successful career by producing a series of high-profile Hollywood films. His American productions included “Serpico” (1973), “Death Wish” (1974), “Three Days of the Condor” (1975), and the 1976 remake of “King Kong.” He was also behind the production of “Dune” (1984) and “Hannibal” (2001). De Laurentiis founded several film production companies, including Dino De Laurentiis Cinematografica in Italy and the De Laurentiis Entertainment Group in the United States. His career spanned over six decades, during which he produced over 500 films. He passed away on November 10, 2010, in Beverly Hills, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prolific and influential producers in cinema history.

5 Interesting Facts about Dino De Laurentiis

1. De Laurentiis produced over 500 films throughout his career, making him one of the most prolific producers in the history of cinema.

2. He founded the De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG), which built its own studio facilities in Wilmington, North Carolina.

3. De Laurentiis received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2001, recognizing his contributions to the film industry.

4. He was instrumental in bringing Italian cinema to international prominence through his work with directors like Federico Fellini, Roberto Rossellini, and Vittorio De Sica.

5. Despite his Italian roots, De Laurentiis became a significant figure in Hollywood, producing major American films and working with top-tier actors and directors.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dino De Laurentiis

1. “To make a great film you need three things – the script, the script and the script.”

2. “When I first started, the producer was a very important figure. Today, unfortunately, the producer has become a financier.”

3. “I consider myself an independent producer. I have always been independent.”

4. “The story is what matters, always the story.”

5. “I don’t want to be remembered for ‘King Kong.’ I want to be remembered as a man who made great films.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Dino De Laurentiis’s net worth was estimated to be around $120 million.

Children

Dino De Laurentiis had six children. His daughters Raffaella De Laurentiis and Veronica De Laurentiis are both involved in the film industry. Raffaella is a film producer, known for her work on films like “Conan the Barbarian” (1982) and “Dune” (1984). Veronica is an actress and author. His other children include Federico, Francesca, Carolyna, and Dina.