Famous Italian Actresses

Find out more about the greatest Italian Actresses, including Monica Bellucci, Sophia Loren, Isabella Rossellini, Claudia Cardinale and Gina Lollobrigida.
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 1 
Sophia Loren
(One of the Greatest Female Stars of Classical Hollywood Cinema)
Sophia Loren
29
Birthdate: September 20, 1934
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rome, Italy

Known as the quintessential “femme fatale” of the "Golden Age of Hollywood," Sophia Loren rose from participating in a beauty pageant as a teenager, to being the first actor to win the Academy Award for a foreign-language movie. The Italian bombshell is also known for her affair with Cary Grant.

 2 
Monica Bellucci
(Italian Actress, Model and the 'Oldest Bond Girl' in the History of the Franchise)
Monica Bellucci
18
Birthdate: September 30, 1964
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Città di Castello, Italy

Monica Bellucci is one of the most popular actresses from Italy. Her popularity in the West helped her become the oldest woman to play a Bond girl in the history of the James Bond film franchise. Known for her hourglass figure, she has been regarded as a sex symbol and has appeared in lists like 100 Hottest Women of All-Time.

 3 
Asia Argento
(Actress and Director Known for Her Films: 'XXX', ‘'Marie Antoinette' and ‘Misunderstood’)
Asia Argento
6
Birthdate: September 20, 1975
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
Asia Argento, daughter of filmmaker Dario Argento, has starred in movies such as XXX, Traveling Companion, and Transylvania. She declared that Harvey Weinstein had sexually assaulted her in the 1990s, while she was herself accused of assaulting Jimmy Bennett. She was dating Anthony Bourdain at the time of his death.
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 4 
Gina Lollobrigida
(Italian Actress and Photojournalist Who was One of the Highest-Profile European Actresses of the 1950s and 1960s)
Gina Lollobrigida
6
Birthdate: July 4, 1927
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Subiaco, Italy

Gina Lollobrigida is an Italian actress and photojournalist counted amongst the highest-profile European actresses of the 1950s and 1960s. Considered a  sex symbol in her youth, she had a successful career both in the film and TV industries. She later built a second career as a photojournalist. She is a recipient of the NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award.  

 5 
Claudia Cardinale
(Italian Actress Who Acted in Italian, French and English Films in the 1960s and 1970s)
Claudia Cardinale
5
Birthdate: April 15, 1938
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: La Goulette, Tunisia

Claudia Cardinale is a Tunisian-born Italian actress who played important roles in some of the most popular Italian and French movies of the 1960s and 1970s. After achieving immense popularity as an actress in Italy, Cardinale starred in the 1963 American comedy film The Pink Panther, which increased her popularity. Claudia Cardinale was also renowned for her beauty.

 6 
Julia Fox
(Actress)
Julia Fox
0
Birthdate: April 30, 1989
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Milan, Italy
 7 
Greta Scacchi
(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Nola Johns’ in the TV Miniseries ‘Broken Trail’)
Greta Scacchi
9
Birthdate: February 18, 1960
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Milan, Italy
Greta Scacchi is best known for her Emmy-winning role in Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny. She also earned a BAFTA nomination for her role in Heat and Dust and an Emmy nomination for Broken Trail. She is also a seasoned theater actor and has worked toward prevention of overfishing.
 8 
Valeria Golino
(Actress, who was featured in many films in Italy and appeared in Hot Shots! and Rain Man)
Valeria Golino
3
Birthdate: October 22, 1965
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Naples, Italy

Born to an Italian Germanist scholar father and a Greek painter mother, Valeria Golino was destined to be associated with the arts but had initially aspired to be a cardiologist. She later stepped into movies and gained fame for her roles in movies such as Rain Man and the Hot Shots! franchise.

 9 
Simonetta Stefanelli
(Best Known for Her Role of 'Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone' in the Film 'The Godfather')
Simonetta Stefanelli
4
Birthdate: November 30, 1954
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Rome, Italy

Simonetta Stefanelli is an Italian fashion designer, entrepreneur, and former actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone in the popular crime film, The Godfather. After retiring from acting in 1992, Simonetta Stefanelli became an entrepreneur. She owns a fashion store called Simo Bloom, where she designs shoes and purses.

 10 
Pier Angeli
(Former Actress who won a 1952 Golden Globe Award for her breakout role in Teresa)
Pier Angeli
3
Birthdate: June 19, 1932
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Cagliari, Italy
Died: September 10, 1971

Best known for her title role in the film Teresa, Pier Angeli had stepped into showbiz at the tender age of 16. The Golden Globe-winning actor also appeared in films such as Flame and the Flesh and The Silver Chalice. She died of a barbiturate overdose at 39.

 11 
Dalida
(French-Italian Singer and Actress)
Dalida
5
Birthdate: January 17, 1933
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Shubra, Cairo, Egypt
Died: May 3, 1987
French singer and actress Dalida, whose aching voice ruled over hearts for three decades, sold millions of records worldwide. Dalida sang in 10 languages and holds a world record for most weeks at the top of the music chart. She was also the first singer to receive platinum and diamond discs while she also owns more than 70 gold records.
 12 
Anita Pallenberg
(Actress Best Known for Her Romantic Links to Three of the 'Original Rolling Stones')
Anita Pallenberg
4
Birthdate: April 6, 1942
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
Died: June 13, 2017

Known as the Rolling Stones muse, for her affairs with at least two of the iconic rock band’s members, Anita Pallenberg was an actor-model. The Rolling Stones tracks such as You Got The Silver and Angie were inspired by her. She had also studied fashion designing after recovering from drug addiction.

 13 
Rosabell Laurenti Sellers
(Actress, famous for her title role in the Italian fantasy series Mia and Me)
Rosabell Laurenti Sellers
3
Birthdate: March 27, 1996
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, United States
 14 
Moana Pozzi
(Actress)
Moana Pozzi
5
Birthdate: April 27, 1961
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Genoa, Italy
Died: September 15, 1994
 15 
Matilda De Angelis
(Actress)
Matilda De Angelis
4
Birthdate: September 11, 1995
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bologna, Italy
 16 
Giada Colagrande
(Italian Film Director and Actress)
Giada Colagrande
3
Birthdate: October 16, 1975
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Pescara, Italy
Known for projects such as Padre and Pasolini, Italian actor-director Giada Colagrande began her career making art documentaries. Her short films have earned accolades, too. She is now known for her collaborations with her actor husband Willem Dafoe, with whom she has an age gap of almost 2 decades.
 17 
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu
(Actress)
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu
4
Birthdate: April 25, 1963
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
 18 
Lisa Moretti
Lisa Moretti
3
Birthdate: November 26, 1961
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Inglewood
 19 
Caterina Murino
(Italian Actress Known for Portraying Bond Girl 'Solange Dimitrios' in the Movie 'Casino Royale')
Caterina Murino
2
Birthdate: September 15, 1977
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Cagliari, Italy

Caterina Murino first gained attention after participating in the Miss Italy contest. She later began her showbiz career as a model and starred in films such as The Corsican File. She also appeared as Bond Girl Solange in Casino Royale. She is also well-versed in dances such as flamenco and tango.

 20 
Daniela Bianchi
(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Tatiana Romanova’ in the James Bond Film ‘From Russia with Love’)
Daniela Bianchi
2
Birthdate: January 31, 1942
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Rome, Italy

Daniela Bianchi is an Italian actress known for her portrayal of Bond girl Tatiana Romanova in the popular spy film, From Russia with Love. After appearing in the second James Bond film, Bianchi landed roles in a number of Italian and French movies. Apart from acting, Daniela Bianchi also studied ballet and worked as a fashion model.

 21 
Carly Pope
(Actress)
Carly Pope
3
Birthdate: August 28, 1980
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
 22 
Violante Placido
(Actress most famous for her roles in films like the comic book adaptation Ghost Rider and its sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance)
Violante Placido
2
Birthdate: May 1, 1976
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
 23 
Ornella Muti
(Actress)
Ornella Muti
3
Birthdate: March 9, 1955
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
 24 
Alessandra Mastronardi
(Actress known for her roles in the film To Rome with Love and the television series Master of None)
Alessandra Mastronardi
2
Birthdate: February 18, 1986
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Naples, Italy
 25 
Lory Del Santo
(Italian Television Personality and Actress )
Lory Del Santo
4
Birthdate: September 28, 1958
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Povegliano Veronese, Veneto, Italy

Born in a stable in Verona, Lory Del Santo lost her father in an accident later and was raised by her mother. Beginning her TV career at 16, she later also participated in the Miss Universe contest. She gave birth to Eric Clapton’s son but lost the child in a freak accident.

 26 
Matilda Lutz
(Model)
Matilda Lutz
2
Birthdate: January 28, 1992
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Milan, Italy

Born to a fashion photographer father and a fashion PR mother, who were both models previously, Matilda Lutz began modeling quite early in life. She moved to Los Angeles after dropping out of university and initially worked in an Italian eatery to sustain herself. She later appeared in movies such as Rings.

 27 
Fabiana Udenio
(Actress)
Fabiana Udenio
2
Birthdate: December 21, 1964
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
 28 
Sabrina Salerno
(Pop Singer Best Known for Her 1987 Single ‘Boys (Summertime Love)')
Sabrina Salerno
2
Birthdate: March 15, 1968
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Genoa, Italy

Once likened to pop icon Samantha Fox, Sabrina Salerno was a pop diva from the 1980s. She began her career winning a beauty contest and then became a known face on Italian TV, with shows such as Premiatissima. She later soared to fame with tracks such as Sexy Girl and Boys.

 29 
Monica Vitti
(Actress best known for her starring roles in films directed by Michelangelo Antonioni during the early-to-mid 1960s.)
Monica Vitti
3
Birthdate: November 3, 1931
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
Died: February 2, 2022
 30 
Laura Antonelli
(Italian film actress, who appeared in 45 films between 1964 and 1991)
Laura Antonelli
3
Birthdate: November 28, 1941
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Pula, Croatia
Died: June 22, 2015
 31 
Claudia Gerini
(Actress)
Claudia Gerini
2
Birthdate: December 18, 1971
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
 32 
Alida Valli
(Former Actress who appeared in more than 100 films in a 70-year career)
Alida Valli
2
Birthdate: May 31, 1921
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Pola, Italy
Died: April 22, 2006
 33 
Gloria Guida
(Actress, Model best known for starring in commedia erotica all'italiana, particularly the La liceale series, and also in erotic coming-of-age-drama films in the mid-1970s)
Gloria Guida
2
Birthdate: November 19, 1955
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Meran, Italy
 34 
Elisabetta Canalis
(Italian Actress and Showgirl)
Elisabetta Canalis
2
Birthdate: September 12, 1978
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Sassari, Italy

Elisabetta Canalis is an Italian showgirl and actress. Renowned for her impressive physique and good looks, Canalis has been a popular model in Italy, appearing on publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. She has also modeled for Roberto Cavalli and was featured in the Max nude calendar in 2003. In 2010, she was ranked the seventh-most beautiful woman on Maxim.

 35 
Mădălina Diana Ghenea
(Romanian Model and Actress)
Mădălina Diana Ghenea
2
Birthdate: August 8, 1987
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Slatina, Romania

Mădălina Diana Ghenea is a Romanian model and actress. Apart from acting and modeling, Ghenea also participates in fashion shows around the world. She achieved international fame in 2016, when she became the face of a luxury brand called Vanitas.

 36 
Maria Grazia Cucinotta
(Actress Known for Her Roles as Bond Girl in the James Bond Film 'The World Is Not Enough')
Maria Grazia Cucinotta
2
Birthdate: July 27, 1968
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Messina, Italy

Best known for her role as the Cigar Girl in the James Bond flick The World Is Not Enough, Maria Grazia Cucinotta initially made a name for herself in the Italian TV industry. She was also appreciated for her role in the comedy-drama movie Il Postino and has a star on Toronto’s Italian Walk of Fame.

 37 
Virna Lisi
(Actress)
Virna Lisi
2
Birthdate: November 8, 1936
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Ancona, Italy
Died: December 18, 2014
 38 
Ylenia Carrisi
(Former actress who disappeared under mysterious circumstances while visiting New Orleans, Louisiana, in January 1994)
Ylenia Carrisi
2
Birthdate: November 29, 1970
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
 39 
Chiara Mastroianni
(Actress)
Chiara Mastroianni
3
Birthdate: May 28, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Paris, France
 40 
Silvia Colloca
(Actress, Opera Singer, Cookbook Author & TV Cookery Show Personality)
Silvia Colloca
7
Birthdate: July 23, 1977
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Milan, Italy

Silvia Colloca is an Italian-Australian actress, cookbook author, opera singer, and TV cookery show personality.  An opera-trained mezzo-soprano, she worked in musical theater before becoming an actress. She later created her own TV cookery shows that earned her much international prominence. She also runs a successful YouTube channel in collaboration with Marion Grasby.  

 41 
Luciana Paluzzi
(Actress)
Luciana Paluzzi
2
Birthdate: June 10, 1937
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
 42 
Barbara Bouchet
(Actress)
Barbara Bouchet
3
Birthdate: August 15, 1943
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Reichenberg, Sudetenland, Germany [now Liberec, Czech Republic]
 43 
Paola Mori
(Actress)
Paola Mori
2
Birthdate: September 18, 1928
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Italy
Died: August 12, 1986
 44 
Silvana Mangano
(Actress)
Silvana Mangano
2
Birthdate: April 21, 1930
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
Died: December 16, 1989
 45 
Veronica De Laurentiis
(Author)
Veronica De Laurentiis
2
Birthdate: January 13, 1950
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
 46 
Anna Magnani
(Italian Actress Who was Known for Her Explosive Acting and Earthy, Realistic Portrayals of Characters)
Anna Magnani
3
Birthdate: March 7, 1908
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
Died: September 26, 1973

Anna Magnani was an Italian actress best remembered for her real-life portrayals of characters and explosive acting. In 1956, Magnani became the first Italian ever to receive an Academy Award when she won the award for her portrayal of Serafina Delle Rose in the 1955 film, The Rose Tattoo. She had also won other prestigious awards like the Silver Bear.

 47 
Edwige Fenech
(Algerian-born Maltese-Sicilian Film Producer and Actress)
Edwige Fenech
3
Birthdate: December 24, 1948
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Annaba, Algeria

Edwige Fenech is an Algerian-born Maltese-Sicilian film producer and actress. She is best known for starring in the commedia sexy all'italiana, a subgenre of commedia all'italiana film genre, which made her a popular sex symbol of her time. Edwige Fenech is also known for appearing in giallo films.

 48 
Elsa Martinelli
(Actress and Model)
Elsa Martinelli
2
Birthdate: January 30, 1935
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Grosseto, Italy
Died: July 8, 2017
 49 
Gabriella Pession
(Actress)
Gabriella Pession
2
Birthdate: November 2, 1977
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Daytona Beach, Florida, United States
 50 
Ira von Fürstenberg
(Actress)
Ira von Fürstenberg
3
Birthdate: April 18, 1940
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Rome, Italy