Despite launching his film career with
I vitelloni (1953) and subsequently casting him in several of his movies, director
Federico Fellini had the habit of having Fabrizi dubbed by other actors in most of their collaborations, as he used to do with the majority of his players. Franco reacted badly at Fellini's announcement that he would have him dubbed by actor
Alberto Lionello in their final film together,
Ginger e Fred (1986), but the director answered that he would've eventually been happy with the decision and his acting reputation would've further increased after the movie's release. Fabrizi won and was nominated for several awards for his performance.