Raffaele "Lello" Arena (born 1 November 1953) is an Italian actor and comics writer.

[1] In 1969, at a very young age, Arena formed the cabaret ensemble "La Smorfia" together with Massimo Troisi and Enzo Decaro.

[2] In 1978 and 1979, the group appeared in two RAI variety shows (Non stop and Luna Park) obtaining a great success.

[2][3] He won a David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Troisi's Scusate il ritardo.

[4] Later Arena focused his career on television, appearing in a large number of variety shows; he occasionally came back to cinema, even making his debut as a director in 1989 with Chiari di luna.