Sicilian language
Born in Catania, Balsamo began his career on stage, being part of several Sicilian language theatrical companies. Discovered by Pietro Germi, who offered him a role of weight in the film "In the Name of the Law", following the success of the film Balsamo moved to Rome where he had a long film career as a character actor, mainly cast in roles of Sicilian criminals and villains. He also worked as a production coordinator and a production runner for the companies Fortunia Film and Romana Film. Balsamo was also author of two plays in Sicilian language, "Casa Cantoniera" and "Tila di ragnu".