Famous actresses come from all over the world, starring in feature films or the next big television series. Perfecting all sorts of accents and costumes, there are times when actresses may seem like they are from another country but are actually not. If you enjoy learning more about actresses in the film industry, check out these five Italian actresses you might not have realized came from Italy.
5. Asia Argento
Our fifth selection for Italian actresses is Asia Argento. She was born in Rome in 1975 and is the daughter of famed Italian director Dario Argento and actress Daria Nicolodi. Acting at a young age, she finally gained international recognition for appearing in films like The Stendhal Syndrome (1996) and Scarlet Diva (2000). She has worked in both Italian and international productions, showing versatility in the world of acting.
–Notable Appearances: The Phantom of the Opera, Queen Margot, Marie Antoinette
4. Gina Lollobrigida
Our fourth selection for Italian actresses was also a prominent European actress and feminine symbol during the 1950s and 1960s. Gina Lollobrigida was born in Subiaco, Italy, in 1927 and first caught the attention of film tycoon Howard Hughes, who offered her an acting job in the United States. Instead, Lollobrigida stuck to her roots and worked in Europe instead, marking her entry into Hollywood with the John Huston film Beat the Devil. The film that really marked her presence in the acting world though was Beautiful But Dangerous in 1955, earning her the title of “most beautiful woman in the world.”
–Notable Appearances: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Bread, Love and Dreams, The Wayward Wife
3. Sabrina Impacciatore
Reaching the top three in our Italian actresses list is Sabrina Impacciatore, born in 1968 in Rome, Italy. Her debut on the screen was in 1999, joining the production of Il Compagno, but the true turning point in her career was in 2001 when she was cast in L’ultimo Bacio. Her most recent accomplishment is playing Valentina in the hit show The White Lotus. She originally wasn’t sure if she could do the part, but after submitting her audition tape the production company loved her work. Impacciatore got to work with several acting giants, including Jennifer Coolidge, Aubrey Plaza, Theo James, and Michael Imperioli.
–Notable Appearances: The White Lotus, Il compagno, Napoleon and Me
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2. Monica Bellucci
Second in our Italian actresses list is Monica Bellucci, born in 1964 in Città di Castello, Italy, who first captured the hearts of audiences as a model before switching to acting. She was able to land in both Italian and international films, such as Malèna and Irreversible due to her looks and charisma. Bellucci’s most notable roles are more recent, playing in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. She continues to be a rising star in cinema, and has also become an ambassador for the Italian fashion designers Dolce & Gabbana.
–Notable Appearances: The Matrix Reloaded, The Apartment, Under Suspicion
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1. Sophia Loren
Last but certainly not least for our list of Italian actresses is Sophia Loren, often regarded as the epitome of Italian beauty and talent. She was born in 1934 in Rome, Loren rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s with her looks, screen presence, and versatile acting skills. Loren starred in numerous Italian and international films, including Two Women in which she won the Best Actress Oscar. She also made history by being the first actor in a foreign-language film to win an Academy Award. Today, she remains a symbol of elegance, and represents the spirit of Italian cinema from past to present.
–Notable Appearances: Two Women, Black Orchid, The Pride and the Passion