In the beginning...
Since 1999, Vittorio Leonardi has tried to show audiences a new way to see the world – slightly skewed, quirky & governed by cartoon law.
Vittorio Leonardi has styled himself as a Jack of All Trades in Comedy. He been invited to do several talks on comedy – three times to Toastmasters SA & twice to Mensa. For the last three years, he has also given a lecture on An Introduction to Comedy to the Grade 10 Drama classes of St. Mary’s DSG, Pretoria.
On the big screen
On the big screen, Vittorio starred in the 2009 hit film District 9, as Michael Bloemstein, an MNU Alien Civil Affairs Officer and as Death in the award winning 48 Hour Film Project Short Film Death’s (Man)date.
Comedy Central
In 2012, his one man show “Vittorio’s Secret” received rave reviews at the Grahamstown Arts Festival; in 2014 at The Box in Johannesburg and had two sold out shows in Cape Town at The Alexander Bar Café Theatre.
Also in 2012, he was selected to represent the South African Department of Arts & Culture, performing stand-up shows at the 2012 Paralympics in London.
Later in 2012, he became one of the first comedians featured on Comedy Central Africa’s Comedy Central Presents.
Laugh Factory
Finally, Vittorio was nominated for his comedy writing under the Times Comic Pen Award at the 2012 South African Comic’s Choice Awards.
In 2014, Vittorio made it to the top 10 in The Laugh Factory’s 1st Annual Funniest Person in the World Competition. There, he was invited to represent South Africa, performing against nine other contestants from across the world, at the famous club.
MCing
Vittorio has also been a resident MC at comedy nights across Gauteng.
- Tanz Cafe – Bryanston
- News Cafe – Faerie Glen
- Parker’s Comedy & Jive – Montecasino, Gold Reef City & Silverstar Casino
In addition to stand-up comedy, Vittorio is also an Improv comedian, having since 2003 worked with the Joe Parker’s Improv Express & Chris Forrest’s Starship Improvise.
Last Say on Sunday
As a writer, in 2008. He was the head writer for SABC 3’s political satire show “Last Say on Sunday”, excerpts of which can be found here:
The Opening Monologue
Minister Mercedes Benzy Frenzy
Guantanamo Bay Closure
JZ vs. JC
Other work
He was also a writer for Yo-TV’s kid’s quiz show Let’s Get Quizzical, where he created over 450 quiz questions for children ranging from ages 10 – 15 years old.
Since January 2011, Vittorio been a co-writer on SABC 1’s The Real Goboza, hosted by Phat Joe. It is the top-rated show in its category, with over 2.4 million viewers a week.