Enzo Staiola

Enzo Staiola, a child actor whose work in "Bicycle Thieves" (aka "The Bicycle Thief" in the United States) was central to the film's widespread impact, died June 4, 2025, in Italy at the age of 85.

"Bicycle Thieves" was Staiola's first work, and it was work for the ages. Director Vittorio De Sica's neorealistic masterpiece about a poor father and his son made waves among critics upon its release in 1948, helping bring a new approach to cinema through its simple, stripped-down approach and stark subject matter. Staiola was not an actor when he was cast in the role. De Sica saw him on the street and thought his large, expressive eyes would be perfect for the part, despite the young Staiola's lack of acting experience. Those eyes helped carry the work, resulting in a film that just two years later was named the best of all time in a "Sight & Sound" poll. Fifty years later, that same poll still ranked it in the top 10.

The movie also launched a part-time career for Staiola, who continued acting through the 1970s, appearing in over a dozen Italian films, albeit none of successful as "Bicycle Thieves." Most notably, in 1954, he starred opposite Humphrey Bogart and Ava Gardner in "The Barefoot Contessa." His final role was in 1977's "The Girl in the Yellow Pyjamas" (aka "The Pyjama Girl Case") by Flavio Mogherini. When not acting, he was a teacher and land registry clerk.

Viewer Avishek Roy praised what Staiola brought to the role, saying on Facebook: "He gave us one of the purest portrayals of loyalty, disappointment, and quiet strength. His wide-eyed presence taught me more than books ever could during those after college days. A performance etched in neorealism, and in memory. Thank you, Enzo for showing us a child's world in a broken city, and for never letting go of our hearts."

By Eric San Juan

(Image: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)