What happened to Marcello Mastroianni?

The passing of Marcello Mastroianni in 1996 marked the end of an era for Italian cinema

On 19 December 1996, Marcello Mastroianni succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 72. His battle with the insidious disease came to an end, leaving a void in the hearts of those who admired his talent and contributions to cinema.

As Mastroianni took his last breath, he was surrounded by his loved ones, including both of his daughters, as well as acclaimed actress Catherine Deneuve and his longtime companion, Anna Tatò.

The somber atmosphere was intensified by the symbolic gesture at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, famously associated with his role in Federico Fellini’s masterpiece, “La Dolce Vita.” The fountain was turned off and draped in black, serving as a poignant tribute to the man who had become synonymous with the golden era of Italian cinema.

A funeral service was held at the Church of St. Sulpice in Paris on 20 December, where friends, family, and colleagues gathered to bid their final farewells. The ceremony in the city where Mastroianni had spent a significant part of his life reflected the international impact of his career.

Subsequently, his remains were transferred to Rome, where a second ceremony took place at the city hall on 22 December. Finally, Marcello Mastroianni was interred in his family vault at the Verano Cemetery, a fitting resting place for an actor who had left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.