Talented musician, brilliant stand-up comedian, ironic and sarcastic actor as well as screenwriter capable of realizing real pearls of comedy and reflection: all this is Luke Pasquale Medici, Better known as Checco Zalone. The Italian artist turns off just today 41 candles, and we at italiani.it could not fail to relive - on the occasion of his birthday - part of his extraordinary career. Defined by many as one of the most talented Italian comedians of the last 20 years, the Apulian singer-songwriter has given life to successful films and unforgettable hits.
A national smash
It was 2006 and ours National was grinding victories upon victories in Germany during the World Cup. A long and intense journey that will prune the blues to the roof of the world the night of July 9th. After the Italic triumph, millions of people celebrated the happy event for days, intoning the catchphrases of the moment. On the one hand the famous Poo poo poo poo poo, which over the years has become one of the most used stadium choirs ever. On the other, a decidedly more complex tune and - above all - full of irony: We are a very strong team by the comedian Checco Zalone. Initially used as the theme song for a well-known radio program, the song was recorded on a single, ranking at the top of the best-selling songs for over a month.
The success was so great that it projected Checco Zalone among the most popular comedians of the period. Born in Bari on June 3, 1977, degree in law and fond of Games, began his career as a musician by playing in several Apulian jazz groups. In 2004 he made his debut as stand-up comedian, also appearing on various local television programs. This allows him to be noticed by the talent scouts of Zelig, who decide to take him to the stage of Zelig Off and subsequently - Zelig Circus. Initially presented as the classic Neapolitan singer-songwriter for weddings, achieves notoriety with its imitations (among all that of Carmen Consoli). His irony and his skill in composing and performing songs soon made him one of the most popular characters of Zelig's team, and then definitively consecrated himself with We are a very strong team.
Cinema and records: an all-round artist
However, the art of Checco Zalone is not limited only to music. In 2009 his first film was released I fall from the clouds, in which they face each other - in a decidedly ironic way - some issues such as difficulties in the world of work, racism and prejudices in contemporary society. The film is a great success, as well as the soundtrack - always curated by Zalone - which earned him the nomination to the David di Donatello as Best Song (later awarded to Jovanotti for kiss Me again). Two years later his second film comes out What a beautiful day, and here too there is no lack of references to delicate topics such as integration and religious fanaticism. Questions always dealt with great skill by Checco in a nice way, but at the same time profound.
The film ranks second in the ranking of those with the highest revenues in Italy ever, behind Avatar and in front of giants like Life is Beautiful di Benign e Da Vinci's code. Even the soundtrack, always curated by Zalone, is a great success, confirming his multiple artistic skills. The other two films then came out in 2013 and 2016 Sun in catinelle e Do I go? who succeed in the arduous undertaking to break all previous records. In fact, both films are positioned at the according to e third place in the aforementioned Ranking of the highest grossing films in Italy. In a few years Checco Zalone becomes one of the most famous and appreciated actors and authors of all time. Enough to make him worth the nickname of king Midas of Italian cinema.
The origin of the name Checco Zalone
But why the name Checco Zalone? It comes from the Bari dialect, its hometown, and refers to the expression what a cozzalone! (translated what a tamarro!). Initially, in fact, the character was presented as the classic street boy, of low culture, with rough manners and with a small criminal record. Always dressed with jeans and a fitted t-shirt, the only way he had to earn a living honestly was through his singing performances on the occasion of baptisms e weddings. All strictly in dialect, due to his poor command of the Italian language. Over time the character has evolved, without however losing that subtle ironic vein that distinguishes him.
Happy birthday Checco Zalone!
