# Tinto Brass, Director of Erotic Epics ‘Caligula’ and ‘Salon Kitty,’ Dies at 93

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/tinto-brass-director-of-erotic-epics-caligula-and-salon-kitty-dies-at-93/
- Published: 2026-11-04T14:40:32+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T09:39:32+00:00
- Original publisher: Variety
- Original article: https://variety.com/2026/film/global/tinto-brass-dead-caligula-salon-kitty-1236939212/
- Topics: Europe, World

## Key points

- Italian director Tinto Brass has died aged 93.
- His best-known films include *Salon Kitty* and *Caligula*.
- Disputes over censorship and control shaped parts of his career.

## Summary

Italian filmmaker Tinto Brass, known for erotic historical dramas including *Salon Kitty* and *Caligula*, has died aged 93. His family announced his death to the Italian news agency Ansa on Wednesday; his career was marked by international success and repeated disputes over censorship and creative control.

Born in Milan in 1933, Brass began directing in 1963 with *Chi Lavora è Perduto*, which won acclaim at Venice but faced censorship in Italy. *Salon Kitty* (1976) brought him international recognition, while *Caligula*, made in 1979 and released in a different cut in 1984, became contentious after producer Bob Guccione took control and added adult scenes. Brass later directed *The Key* and other films about women’s sexual liberation. He is survived by his wife, Caterina Varzi, and children Bonifacio and Beatrice.

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