Near the city center, a statue of the Carlo Pedersoli—also known as Bud Spencer—stands proudly and majestically. The former professional swimmer and water polo player became world-famous as an actor, playing the tough-but-good guy in action-comedy movies from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Bud Spencer gained great popularity among Hungarians, providing heart-warming memories and good laughs to young and old. Generations grew up on his movies, which are played frequently on various TV channels to this day. As a sign of nationwide respect, this 2.4-meter tall, 500-kilogram heavy, bronze statue was raised in Budapest. The statue can be found next to the Corvin Plaza, surrounded by the nicest bars and restaurants in the city.
The statue was offered to the city by sculptor Szandra Tasnádi. It was unveiled in 2017, one year after the actor’s death. The Pedersoli family attended the emotional ceremony, expressing deep gratitude.
On the basis of the statue you will find Terence Hill’s quote “Mi sohasem veszekedtünk,” which means, “We have never fought.” Hill, Bud Spencer’s old friend and partner actor, who later also visited the statue in person. The dynamic duo played in, produced, and directed more than 20 movies together.
The statue is not the only thing that Hungarians established to pay their respects to Pedersoli. In Budapest, there is also a public park which a political party called Two-Tailed Dog Party unofficially named “Bud Spencer Park.” They also inagurated a memorial plaque commemorating the actor. Funnily enough, the only hill in this park has been also named “Terence Hill.” In addition to the statue, the unofficial park name, and the plaque, there is also a Bud Spencer mural in Budapest painted by graffiti artist TakerOne.