NYC exhibit honors Italy’s answer to Charlie Chaplin as he gains traction in US dcades after death
An exhibition titled "Totò and His Naples" is honoring Italian comedian Antonio De Curtis, known as Totò, at the Italian American Museum in New York's Little Italy through August 29, 2026. Considered Italy's answer to Charlie Chaplin, Totò is celebrated for his influential comedic career and cultural impact on Naples and beyond. The exhibit features costumes, personal documents, film clips, and his iconic bowler hats, drawing connections between Italian heritage and the immigrant experience in New York.
- ▪Antonio De Curtis, known as Totò, was a legendary Neapolitan comedian active from 1922 until his death in 1967.
- ▪The exhibition is presented with support from the Italian Cultural Institute and Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- ▪Totò was initially beloved by the public but only later recognized by critics after his role in a 1960s art film directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini.
- ▪The exhibit highlights Totò’s signature bowler hat, a symbol as iconic as Charlie Chaplin’s.
- ▪"Totò and His Naples" also commemorates the 2,500th anniversary of the city of Naples.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Metro NYC exhibit honors Italy’s answer to Charlie Chaplin as he gains traction in US dcades after death By Nicole Rosenthal and Brandon Cruz Published May 3, 2026, 5:42 p.m. ET New York is rolling out the welcome mat for Italy’s greatest comedian, Antonio De Curtis — their version of Charlie Chaplin — with the US debut of “Totò and His Naples.” De Curtis, also known as Totò, is being celebrated in an exhibition showcasing the Neapolitan comic legend’s nearly 100-film career at the Italian American Museum in Little Italy now through Aug. 29. “He’s considered in Italy one of the most amazing actors of the 20th century,” Claudio Pagliara, director of the Italian Cultural Institute in New York, told The Post.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from New York Post
