“Her son was raised as her brother…” Behind the beauty and global fame was a life shaped by control, secrets, and sacrifice. This Italian screen icon lived a double life that few ever suspected. See her rare vintage photos in the article below

“Her son was raised as her brother…”  Behind the beauty and global fame was a life shaped by control, secrets, and sacrifice. This Italian screen icon lived a double life that few ever suspected. See her rare vintage photos in the article below

This legendary actress of Italian cinema left an enduring legacy both in her home country and on the international stage. Celebrated for her beauty, talent, and remarkable versatility, she brought to life a wide range of complex and unforgettable characters throughout her illustrious career. She initially planned to become a teacher. Her life took a dramatic turn at the age of 18, when she was spotted at an Italian film event in Tunisia.

The French-speaking young woman with striking dark hair was named the most beautiful Italian girl in Tunisia – a title that earned her a trip to the Venice Film Festival. That trip would prove to be a turning point, opening the door to numerous offers from producers eager to cast her. Among them was F. Cristaldi, a prominent film producer whose career spanned from the 1950s to the 1990s. He took a keen interest in the young actress, signing her to an 18-year contract. Their professional relationship soon became personal; they married, and he took control of every aspect of her career and image.

He molded her into the Italian answer to B. Bardot, dictating not only her film roles but also her appearance, weight, and public life. One of the darkest chapters of this period was her pregnancy, which Cristaldi insisted she keep secret. Publicly, her son was introduced as her younger brother. In 1958, the star landed her first leading role in «Three Strangers in Rome». At the time, she was seven months pregnant and under immense pressure. Forced to conceal the pregnancy and overwhelmed by depression, she considered suicide and pleaded with her manager to terminate her contract.

Her move to Hollywood brought both success and strain. In 1975, she married Italian director P. Squitieri, with whom she remained until his death in 2017. Together, they had a daughter.

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