Gian Maria Volonté (9 April 1933 – 6 December 1994) was an Italian actor, remembered for his versatility as an interpreter, his outspoken left-wing leanings and fiery temper on and off-screen. In Italy and much of Europe, he was notable for his roles in high-profile social dramas depicting the political and social stirrings of Italian and European society in the 1960s and 1970s.
Gian Piero Reverberi (born 29 July 1939 in Genoa) is an Italian pianist, composer, arranger, conductor, and entrepreneur. In 1979, he founded the Rondò Veneziano chamber orchestra, which he has led ever since, having been the main composer, arranger, and conductor of the group.
Gian Carlo Menotti (July 7, 1911 – February 1, 2007) was an Italian-American composer, librettist, director, and playwright who is primarily known for his output of 25 operas. Although he often referred to himself as an American composer, he kept his Italian citizenship.
Gian Giacomo Medici (25 January 1498 – 8 November 1555) was an Italian condottiero, Duke of Marignano and Marquess of Musso and Lecco in Lombardy. Gian Giacomo, the eldest of fourteen children, was banished from Milan after a daring murder of revenge in broad daylight.
Being the short form of Giovanni makes Gian the Italian equivalent of "John" (and Gianni the equivalent of "Johnny"). It is remarkable how the English and Italian pronunciations of these names are actually very similar!