ROME – One of Italy’s most recognisable television presenters, Fabrizio Frizzi, died on Sunday night, according to an announcement by his family, at the Sant’Andrea hospital in Rome.

 Throughout a long career Frizzi presented 73 programmes. However, the show he will most likely be remembered for is the beauty contest of “Miss Italia,” which he presented 16 times, in two stints from 1988 to 2002, and 2011 to 2012.

 Nonetheless, he also lodged himself in the minds of viewers as the Italian voice of “Woody,” in the dubbed version of Toy Story first released in the country in 1996. Frizzi reprised the role twice with the film’s sequels in 1999 and 2010.   

 Frizzi, 60, collapsed while recording an episode for the programme “L’Eredità” on Oct 23. It was announced at the time that he had been suffering from an ischemia, that is, a temporary interruption of the blood supply to parts of the body.

 However, he was discharged a few days later, returning to Italian screens in December. Speaking to Vincenzo Mollica, Frizzi joked that presenting the programme was “good for the physique, the adrenaline I feel that helps me to feel better.”     

 As late as Feb of this year he suggested that his health was not perfect. “It’s not finished yet,” he told reporters at the time.

 The presenter’s passing was noted by Italy’s President, Sergio Mattarella who sent his regards to the host’s family.

 His wife, Carlotta and his brother, Fabio, released a statement on behalf of the family thanking “Fabrizio for all the love that you have given us.”

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