Carlo Pedersoli was an Italian actor, screenwriter, singer, professional swimmer, and polo player. He is better known by his professional name, Bud Spencer. Originally from Naples, Pedersoli demonstrated his aptitude for various water sports quite early in his life. As a swimmer, he represented Italy in the Summer Olympic Games in 1952 and 1956. As a polo player, he earned a gold medal at the 1955 Mediterranean Games in Barcelona. He was a law graduate, and in the later years of his life, entered politics. He also obtained multiple patents. In 1950, he made his acting debut in an uncredited role in the comedy fantasy film ‘Quel fantasma di mio marito’. Sometime around 1967, he began using Bud Spencer as his professional name. That year, he formed a film duo with Terence Hill. They were incredibly popular and made appearances in, directed, and produced more than 20 films together. Spencer was involved in a number of children's charities, including the Spencer Scholarship Fund. After his death in 2016, Spencer was posthumously given the America Award in 2018 from the Italy-USA Foundation.
