Nunzio Filogamo

Born in Palermo, Filogamo moved to Turin at a young age, then he studied law at the Sorbonne University and at the Turin University, where he graduated.[1][2]

After working for two years as a lawyer, he started a career as a stage actor, entering the companies of Dina Galli and of Irma and Emma Gramatica. In 1934 he debuted as a radio actor in the variety show I quattro moschettieri, which lasted four years and gave him a large popularity.[1][2]

After the outbreak of war, Filogamo was hired to host several variety events for soldiers and wounded people; later, he continued to work as a presenter of the shows reserved for the Allied forces which were held at the Teatro dell'Opera in Rome.[2]

Filogamo's fame is mainly linked to the Sanremo Music Festival, of which he hosted five editions including the first ever.[1][2][3][4] During the second edition of the Festival he coined the famous slogan "Dear friends, near and far, good evening. Good evening wherever you are", which soon became his trademark.[1][2][3][4]

After hosting several television and radio programs, he retired in the 1970s.[1][2] During his career Filogamo was also an occasional film actor and a singer; among his best known songs, "Tutto va bene madama la marchesa" and "Povero cagnolino pechinese".[1][2]

He died, at 99, in a retirement home in Rodello d' Alba, Province of Cuneo.[1][2]

• Nunzio Filogamo at IMDb