RIP Salvatore Basile

 

Blu Radio

January 26, 2026

 

The mayor of Cartagena, Dumek Turbay, confirmed the death of actor Salvatore Basile, who described Basile as "a great citizen who gave a lot to the city."

Born in Fuggia, Italy, on May 18, 1940, Salvo Basile had an extensive career in film, theater, and television. His arrival in Cartagena in November 1968 marked a key moment in his career, as he worked as an assistant director for the renowned filmmaker Gillo Pontecorvo on the film “Burn!” (1969), starring Marlon Brando.

The actor participated in more than 40 international films. He worked with major figures such as Robert De Niro in "The Mission" (1986), with Bud Spencer in "Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro" (1981) and "Banana Joe" (1982), and in productions by Werner Herzog and Francesco Rosi.

In Colombian cinema, he left his mark on emblematic titles such as "The Strategy of the Snail" (1993), "Eagles Don't Hunt Flies" (1994), and "Ilona Arrives with the Rain" (1996), where he served as executive producer and actor.

His artistic and cultural legacy leaves a profound mark on the audiovisual history of Cartagena and the country.

BASILE, Salvatore (Salvatore Basile Ferreira)

Born: 5/18/1940, Foggia, Apulia, Italy

Died: 1/26/2026, Cartagena, Colombia

 

Salvatore Basile’s westerns – actor, stuntman:

Once Upon a Time in the West - 1968 (Cheyenne henchman)

Duck You Sucker – 1971 (Santerna henchman)

Buddy Goes West – 1981 (army captain) [stunts]