Willy Rizzo (1928 – 2013) was an Italian photographer and designer.
Attracted by the allure of the United States and the then still mythical world of the Californian celebrity, Rizzo travelled to New York to work with the Black Star Agency in the developing America of the post-war years. During this time, he succeeded in capturing and reporting on Hollywood legends, such as Gregory Peck and Gary Cooper
In late 1948, Willy began an illustrious twenty-year career with Paris Match that would have him photograph some of the greatest names of the golden age of photojournalism. Married later to actress Elsa Martinelli, Rizzo enjoyed unparalleled access to the stars.
Marlene Dietrich, Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Fonda, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso all found themselves in front of Rizzo’s lens.
Willy Rizzo, Catherine Deneuve, 1966 via
Willy Rizzo, Jane Fonda, 1960s via
Willy Rizzo, Marie Laforet, 1966 via
Willy Rizzo, Anna Karina, 1966 via
Willy Rizzo, Elsa Martinelli, 1966 via
Willy Rizzo, Sophia Loren, 1966 via