Fabio Grossi, the Italian actor, theater director and dramatist whose career stretched across stage, cinema and television, has died in Rome at the age of 68.

Grossi died on Monday, August 24, 2026, according to reports published the following day. His family confirmed the news after reports of his death began circulating, while his longtime partner and fellow performer Leo Gullotta also confirmed the news.

Born in Rome on January 29, 1958, Grossi developed a career that moved between popular Italian cinema, television and, most importantly, theater. His death has prompted expressions of grief from colleagues, friends and members of Italy’s artistic community.

Fabio Grossi remembered

Grossi first established himself on the stage. His theatrical debut came in 1977, when he appeared in Luigi Pirandello’s L’uomo, la bestia e la virtù under the direction of Edmo Fenoglio. He worked again with Fenoglio the following year in Le pillole di Ercole. In 1979, he appeared in L’uccellino azzurro in a production directed by Luca Ronconi.

His career expanded into cinema in the early 1980s. His first film appearance came in 1981’s Mia moglie torna a scuola, followed by roles in several Italian comedies, including I fichissimi, Pierino contro tutti, I carabbimatti and W la foca.

Grossi also worked beyond comedy. His film credits included Scugnizzi, Vajont, Fatti della banda della Magliana, L’amico di famiglia by Paolo Sorrentino and Più buio di mezzanotte, which was presented at Cannes in 2014.

Career in television and theater

Grossi was also active in Italian television. His television career included work on programs associated with figures such as Nanni Loy and Renzo Arbore, as well as appearances in productions including Le ragazze di Piazza di Spagna, Commesse 2 and Un ciclone in famiglia.

He also provided the voice of Carluccio, the son-in-law character played by Lino Banfi in Occhio malocchio, prezzemolo e finocchio.

From the early 2000s, Grossi increasingly concentrated on theater direction and writing. In 2000, he wrote and directed Figlio di madre vedova at Rome’s Piccolo Eliseo, a work inspired by the tragedy of Oedipus and Jocasta. Other projects included Ecce Homo and Lapilli – Suoni e voci dall’isola.

His theater career remained closely connected with Gullotta. Together they worked on productions including L’uomo, la bestia e la virtù, Il piacere dell’onestà, Minnazza, Le allegre comari di Windsor and Sogno di una notte di mezza estate.

Fabio Grossi and Leo Gullotta

One of the defining parts of Grossi’s life was his more than four-decade relationship with Leo Gullotta.

The two shared both a personal relationship and an extensive professional partnership, working together on stage for many years. After more than 40 years of life together, they formalized their relationship through a civil union in 2019.

Grossi’s death therefore represents not only the loss of an established theater professional but also a deeply personal bereavement for Gullotta, with whom he shared much of his adult life.

Tributes following the news have emphasized Grossi’s professionalism and the importance of his contribution to Italian theater and entertainment.

Cause of death

The available reports confirming Fabio Grossi’s death do not state a specific cause of death. His death has been described as premature, but no particular illness, accident or medical condition should be attributed to him without confirmation.

Fabio Grossi’s legacy

Grossi leaves behind a career spanning nearly five decades. From his first theatrical appearances in the 1970s to his work in Italian cinema, television and theater direction, his career reflected a sustained commitment to the performing arts.

For audiences, he will be remembered through the films, television productions and stage performances in which he participated. For colleagues, his legacy is particularly tied to theater and the creative partnerships he developed throughout his career.

His long artistic and personal partnership with Leo Gullotta was another defining feature of his life, bringing together decades of shared work and personal commitment.

Fabio Grossi was 68.

His death leaves a significant absence within the Italian artistic community and in the life of Leo Gullotta, while his work across theater, cinema and television will continue to form part of his enduring professional legacy.

Disclaimer: This obituary is based on information publicly reported and confirmed on August 25, 2026. The cause of Fabio Grossi’s death has not been publicly established in the sources reviewed and has therefore not been speculated upon. Funeral or memorial arrangements should be confirmed through his family or authorized representatives as further information becomes available.