Terence Hill, born Mario Girotti, is one of the most popular actors in European cinema and television from the late 1960s to the present. Though relatively unknown in the United States outside of cult movie fandom circles, Hill became a household name in Europe with his role in the comic spaghetti Western, “They Call Me Trinity.” Hill and his on-screen partner, Bud Spencer, became one of the most iconic duos in European cinema, starring in countless Westerns, crime films, and action comedies for over three decades.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Terence Hill was born in Venice, Italy, on March 29, 1939, as Mario Girotti. He spent much of his childhood in Germany during World War II before returning to Italy, where he attended acting school. Hill began his career as a child actor, appearing in Italian films in the early 1950s. He continued to work in Italian cinema throughout the 1960s, but it wasn’t until his breakthrough role in “They Call Me Trinity” in 1970 that he became a household name in Europe.

The Trinity Formula and Beyond

Hill’s role in “They Call Me Trinity” established a formula that he would follow in countless films to come. Hill played the work-averse gunfighter who would get into trouble, while his partner, Bud Spencer, would solve problems with his fists. The duo went on to make numerous successful films in this vein, including “Trinity is Still My Name,” “All the Way, Boys,” and “Double Trouble.” Hill’s success with Spencer opened doors to other genres, and he became a popular fixture in European television, including his 22-year stint as the lead in the beloved Italian series “Don Matteo.”

Return to Feature Films

After a 21-year hiatus, Hill returned to feature films in 2018 with “My Name is Thomas.” Hill not only starred in the film but also directed it, dedicating it to his on-screen partner, Bud Spencer, who passed away in 2010. The film tells the story of a lone motorcyclist’s journey of self-discovery in the Spanish desert, interrupted by a free-spirited young woman. Despite being a departure from his usual action-comedy genre, Hill’s performance in the film was well-received, and it marked his return to the big screen after a long absence.

Legacy and Impact

Terence Hill’s impact on European cinema and television cannot be overstated. With his iconic role in “They Call Me Trinity” and his partnership with Bud Spencer, Hill became a cultural icon and a beloved figure across the continent. His films and television shows continue to entertain audiences to this day, and his legacy as one of Europe’s greatest actors is secure.

Frequently Asked Questions about Terence Hill

• Who is Terence Hill and what is his background?

  Terence Hill is an Italian-German actor born as Mario Girotti in 1939. He began his career in Italian cinema in the 1960s and rose to fame with his roles in spaghetti Westerns, including the “Trinity” series with Bud Spencer. He later worked in television and low-budget features, and returned to feature films in 2018 with “My Name Is Thomas,” which he directed and dedicated to Bud Spencer.

• Who is Bud Spencer and what was his relationship with Terence Hill?

  Bud Spencer (real name: Carlo Pedersoli) was an Italian actor who co-starred with Terence Hill in numerous films, including the “Trinity” series. Their on-screen partnership followed a template of Hill getting the pair into trouble and Spencer solving it with his fists. They remained friends until Spencer’s death in 2016.

• What is the Italian series “Don Matteo” and how long did Terence Hill star in it?

  “Don Matteo” is an Italian television series that follows the adventures of a Catholic priest who solves crimes in his small town. Terence Hill took on the title role in 2000 and remained with the series for an impressive 22 years until leaving the show in 2022.

• What is “My Name Is Thomas” and what was Terence Hill’s involvement in the film?

  “My Name Is Thomas” is a 2018 Italian film directed by and starring Terence Hill. It follows the journey of a lone motorcyclist on a journey of self-discovery in the Spanish desert, which is interrupted by a free-spirited young woman. Hill dedicated the film to Bud Spencer, who had died in 2016.