Alfonso Santagata: From Theater Roots to Cinematic Recognition

Alfonso Santagata, a veteran of the Italian stage and screen, has recently garnered widespread acclaim for his poignant portrayal of Eugenio Zalone in the 2025 film Buen Camino. The role, that of Checco Zalone’s father and the founder of the “Divani Zalone” empire, has brought renewed attention to a career spanning decades of dedication to the performing arts. Beyond Buen Camino, Santagata’s recent perform includes a compelling performance as Achille Lauro in Paolo Sorrentino’s Parthenope (2025).

Early Life and Training

Born on October 18, 1947, in San Paolo di Civitate, in the province of Foggia, Italy, Santagata’s roots lie in the southern region of Puglia. He pursued his acting training in Milan, attending the Scuola del Piccolo Teatro and the Civica Scuola d’Arte Drammatica (now Paolo Grassi). This period, the 1970s, was marked by political theater, experimentation, and innovative directing, shaping his approach to performance.

A Foundation in Theater

Santagata’s early career was deeply rooted in collaborative theater. He worked alongside influential figures such as Dario Fo and Franca Rame, Luca Ronconi, and Carlo Cecchi. This formative experience instilled in him a naturalistic acting style, characterized by physicality, vocal nuance, and a blend of tragedy and comedy.

The Katzenmacher Company

In 1979, Santagata co-founded the Katzenmacher company in Tuscany, alongside Claudio Morganti and Tullio Ortolani. The company’s inaugural production, also titled “Katzenmacher,” established a signature style focused on marginalized characters and powerful, unconventional narratives. Katzenmacher’s work often involved reinterpretations of classic texts by authors such as Büchner, Beckett, Dostoevsky, Shakespeare, and Cervantes, frequently presented in dialect or fragmented language.

Transition to Film and Television

While primarily a theater actor, Santagata has steadily built a filmography with notable roles. He appeared in Nanni Moretti’s Red Palombella, and gained wider recognition with roles in Gianni Di Gregorio’s Mid-August Lunch and Matteo Garrone’s Gomorrah. His performance in Parthenope as the enigmatic Achille Lauro further showcased his versatility. He also appeared in films by Gianni Amelio, such as The Intrepid, and Mario Martone, in We Believed.

Buen Camino and Beyond

Santagata’s portrayal of Eugenio Zalone in Buen Camino has resonated with audiences across Italy. The film, released on December 25, 2025, features Santagata as the wealthy, ailing father of Checco Zalone. His performance has been lauded for its depth and emotional resonance. He continues to embrace roles that challenge and inspire, remaining dedicated to his craft after a lifetime in the arts.