Director Carlo Vanzina dies in Rome

Director Carlo Vanzina has died in Rome. He was 67. His wife Lisa and brother Enrico announced the news. "In his beloved Rome, where he was born, still too young and in the prime of intellectual maturity, after a lucid and courageous battle against illness," the family statement reads, "the great director Carlo Vanzina, beloved by millions of viewers, has passed away. His films brought joy, humor, and a warm perspective to understanding our country." Son of director and screenwriter Steno (Stefano Vanzina's pen name) and Maria Teresa Nati, he was the younger brother of screenwriter and producer Enrico Vanzina. He made his directorial debut in 1976 with Luna di miele in tre. Vanzina directed around sixty films in 40 years. His first successes came in 1982 with the discovery of Diego Abatantuono (Eccezzziunale… veramente and Viuuulentemente mia), followed by Sapore di mare and Vacanze di Natale in 1983.