Born in Milan, the son of a municipal employee and a housewife, in 1936 Bologna started working as a primary school teacher, and in 1939 he attended the course for cadet officers in the former italian city of Pula.

[1] A lieutenant during World War II, he was wounded during a battle, and then received a bronze medal for military valor.

[1] In 1950 he decided to give up his teaching profession and devote himself to acting.

[1] After enrolling an acting course under Isabella Riva he made his stage debut with the Fantasio Piccoli's company.

[1] Active as a voice actor, in 1970 Bologna founded in Milan the dubbing company "CDM" (Cooperativa Doppiatori Milanesi).