Italian actor Paolo Villaggio, the actor who brought a unique style of satire to Italy through his unique character Fantozzi, has died.

The actor and author, aged 84, died in Rome, after being treated in hospital, according to the Italian media.

Villaggio interpreted several roles throughout his long career, but he will always be remembered for his interpretation of Ugo Fantozzi, the clumsy accountant who constantly faced humiliation.

Films like Superfantozzi and Il Secondo Tragico Fantozzi are among the staples of the finest Italian comedy.

More recently, he participated in the television fiction Carabinieri, in which he played the role of a tramp who often helped the police to solve crimes.

In 1992 Villaggio received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice film festival.