Arguably the most popular Italian screen comedian since the immortal Toto, Roberto Benigni mastered early on the exacting art of improvisational humor. In his native country, Benigni starred in his own must-see TV series, sustaining his vast following with several hilarious movie appearances. One of his best-known monologues, "Cioni Mario", was expanded into the feature film I Love You Berlinger (1977) and the Italian box office success Johnny Stecchino (1991) brought him much deserved attention. American filmgoers, however, may have become aware of the Benigni brand of comedy earlier with the 1988 Walter Matthau vehicle Little Devils, which Benigni wrote, directed, and costarred in. Playing a Roman taxi driver in Jim Jarmusch's Night on Earth, Benigni again proved himself hilarious to an international audience. Thus, when Blake Edwards chose Benigni to play the pratfalling offspring of Inspector Clouseau in 1992's Son of the Pink Panther, the choice seemed inspired. Unfortunately, the role created by Peter Sellers may not have been ideal for Benigni and the comedy did not receive much praise.