Aldo was born in Italy and as a youth was a soloist in a chorus that performed at such prestigious places as the Basilica di Massenzio in Rome. This formed a foundation for a great performer, that unbeknownst to his parents, secretly studied the performing arts to great success. Addicted to entertaining, Aldo sought out work in his chosen field until his progress was interrupted when he was drafted by the Italian Army. He was stationed near the Austrian border with the 3rd Regiment during some turbulent territorial disputes.

     His military experience built his character even more and after leaving the service he jumped back into the theatrical world with even more determination. He landed many television roles, including the Italian Commissioner Maigret series, and was embraced by the burgeoning photo novel industry where he became a star.

    Soon, a wide talent search was underway for the lead of a revolutionary new photo novel series... one featuring an unrepentant King of Crime, a master of disguise and expert hedonist. Known as Killing in Italy (and other names, including  SADISTIK, elsewhere), director Rosario Borelli was looking for a unique actor that, since always masked, was able to perform expressively by using his whole body to convey the fear and dread that is the Diabolikal Super-Kriminal. After many attempts at filling the role unsuccessfully, Borelli found his character in the form of Aldo Agliata.

     Aldo was under contract not to reveal it was he behind the Mask of Death, thus beginning a decades long debate about who really portrayed The Imperceptible One. Many thought it was a series of actors or even that the role was played by director Borelli, a film actor and noted photo novel star himself. It was such a well-kept secret that even his fellow actors were unaware of the true identity of the actor who portrayed SADISTIK. However it was only through the dedicated detective work of SS-Sunda, director of The Diabolikal Super-Kriminal documentary, that the unsung actor was unmasked and revealed in his film for the first time anywhere.
 
    Indeed, Agliata was the sole actor to portray SADISTIK in its original 62 issue run though, due to the nature of the part, he was unheralded. Aldo relates that the last, unpublished adventure featured him without the mask. The series success did lead to other lead parts in European photo comics, both masked and unmasked. Aldo played the main character in such titles as Lord X and James Bix, where he was again partnered with the luscious Luciana Paoli who portrayed SADISTIK's beautiful partner in crime Dana. 
 
    His success in photo novels also led to many film appearances in peplum (sword & sandal flicks) and westerns. He has variously played such roles as Jesus Christ, Napoleon and had a part in the Liz Taylor Cleopatra film.

    A SADISTIK film was in preparation starring Aldo and Luciana but, due to complaints from Italian authorities over its violent content, it was never made. Increasing censorship also ultimately shut down the photo novel series.

    The role of SADISTIK was close to Aldo and the character was much like the actor... not that Aldo was a criminal mastermind, but both had a passion for action and beautiful women! With the birth of a son, Agliata had to choose between the insecure life of an actor or being a responsible father. Choosing the latter, Aldo gave up the life of an entertainer for a time, but his calling would not be denied.

    Aldo opened up the popular William's Club (named after his son) in Rome, where it is still a popular meeting place for celebrities and events. He also began a career as a sports writer at the Giornale di Ostia newspaper and is now a respected journalist. It was a natural progression for this talented actor/writer to host his own TV talk shows. He can be seen on Italy's Televita with Italiani Avvicinate le sedie che vi debbo dire delle cose, which covers current events, while Calcio e Dintorni is dedicated to all sports.

    SADISTIK in unmasked for the first time as Aldo Agliata in the documentary The Diabolikal Super-Kriminal where his interview was shot at his posh William's Club. He was a featured guest at the film's world premiere during the Ravenna Nightmare Film Festival in Italy where he came out after the screening wearing the infamous Mask of Death and revealed his true identity for the first time in public. During a question-and-answer session after the film, Aldo's talk show experience served him well as he travelled the audience, microphone in hand, keeping the audience very entertained. 

    The masked man, who thrilled millions in the 1960s and continues to today, is now unmasked and enjoying his new deserved attention. While continuing his successful club and TV hosting, Aldo has just started a new website, aldoagliata.com, and has been appearing at screenings of his new film. He has also unearthed some vintage portraits of himself as SADISTIK without the mask and will be selling autographed copies. Stay tuned to this site for more information.

  Photos and information courtesy of Aldo Agliata, SS-Sunda and Mort Todd.

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