Totò was the stage name of Antonio de Curtis (1898-1967) , a rubber-faced Neapolitan comedian who starred in over 100 much-loved movies that made him the nation's favourite comic actor, along with Alberto Sordi.
These classics are still frequently screened on Italian TV and continue to leave modern viewers in stitches.
"Totò has received a degree. He'll be having a laugh about it in heaven," Naples Mayor Luigi de Magistris said.
De Magistris added that the city was making headway with plans to open a museum dedicated to the actor.
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini also paid tribute to the comedy icon.
"I grew up on bread and Totó," he said.
"In part I am here as a lover of his work."
