Torrebruno
Who is Torrebruno?
Rocco Torrebruno Orgini (Rome, Italy, August 28, 1936 – Madrid, June 12, 1998) was a singer, actor and television host. Before turning to show business, he worked as a bank clerk in his youth, until Italy’s RAI offered him a five-year contract in 1957. Shortly after, in 1958, he moved to Spain intending to build a career as an easy-listening singer, and that same year took part in the Mediterranean Song Festival. In 1962 he performed at the San Remo Festival.
Career
Once settled in Spain, Torrebruno built a long television career as a host and entertainer, fronting shows such as “Hoy también es fiesta” (1970–1971), “Los supersabios” (1972), “Tardes para todos” (1972–1973), “La Guagua” (1975–1977) — in which he played the character Capuchetto — “El Recreo” (1977–1978), “La Locomotora” (1979) as Rocky Vaporetto, “003 y medio” (1979–1980) as Rocky Chaparro, “Sábado noche” (1980) and “Dabadabada” (1982). He also took small film roles, in titles such as “Orquesta Club Virginia,” “¡Todos al trullo!” and “Los peores años de nuestra vida.” He retired from show business in 1990, though he still hosted one last programme, “El espectáculo canario de Torrebruno,” on RTVE Canarias.
Legacy
He died of a heart attack in Madrid on June 12, 1998. After his death, a biography circulated in some media outlets presenting him as a member of Italian nobility — a claim later denied by those close to him and his family.