Born in
Milan into a family of
Venetian origins, after studying acting at the
Accademia dei Filodrammatici Lionello started his career in 1949, in the stage company of
Antonio Gandusio. He got his first personal success in the stage play '' La pulce all' orecchio'' in 1951, then for several years he was part in the
Wanda Osiris' stage company. Lionello had his breakout in 1960 as presenter of the
RAI Saturday night musical show
Canzonissima together with
Lauretta Masiero and
Aroldo Tieri. He also performed the opening theme song "La la la", which became a hit ranking 13th on the Italian hit parade. In 1961 he started a 7-years-long collaboration with the
Teatro Stabile in Genoa, where he got large critical acclaim, particularly for his performances in ''
Zeno's Conscience'', which he later also played in a television adaptation, and in
Carlo Goldoni's
The Venetian Twins, which he performed in 33 countries including in
Broadway. Lionello had a long relationship, from 1978 until his death, with the actress
Erika Blanc. His daughter Gea is also an actress. ==Selected filmography==