His acting career started when he was 15 in a theatre (Centro Teatro
Spazio). In 1969 he founded the group "I saraceni" (later renamed "La
smorfia") with Enzo Decaro and Lello Arena. He became famous to the TV
audience between 1976 and 1979 with two TV programs "Non Stop" and
"Luna Park". First movie "Ricomincio da tre" in 1981.
Troisi literally gave his life to make Il Postino. He was aware of his
heart condition and was told that he needed treatment, but he believed
that the making of this film was more important. He died 12 hours after
the camera stopped rolling...
As a child, had several bouts of rheumatic fever, leaving him with a
damaged heart, which no doubt contributed to his premature
death.
After his death, a square was named after him in his birthplace San
Giorgio a Cremano, in southern Italy.