Italian actor Franco Nero rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s thanks to his parts in spaghetti western movies. Although he doesn't specifically use a phrase that everyone will recognize as iconic, one of his most famous quotes demonstrates his profound love for the genre.

When Nero was growing up, Hollywood Westerns were hugely popular all over the world. These movies presented an idealized image of romance and adventure against the backdrop of the American Old West to a lot of kids like him. It was especially alluring to think of cowboys riding horses into the sunset.

When Franco Nero was younger, he compared himself to the heroes he looked up to in Western films. He envisioned himself as a cowboy who rode with pride across wide-ranging terrain, lived by a strict code of honor, and bravely and resolutely faced obstacles. He continued to pursue this childhood dream as he grew older and eventually pursued a career in acting.

According to the quote, Nero's passion for Western movies was ingrained in his heart and professional trajectory rather than being a passing fad. Franco Nero had to overcome obstacles in his own life in order to become a successful actor, much like the protagonist in a Western movie who encounters numerous difficulties along the way. His love of this genre can be interpreted as a sign of tenacity and devotion to one's early goals.

Consider a person planting a tree when they are young as a metaphor. The roots deepen over time, much like Nero's later life decisions were impacted by his love of Western movies. This early fascination, whether it was the lure of the open range or the notion that justice is served with a gun, became a fundamental aspect of his identity.

Anyone who had childhood dreams and aspirations that they carried into adulthood can relate to Franco Nero's sentiment in many ways. No matter how far one goes in life, it acts as a reminder to treasure those early inspirations.