Profession: Actress
Biography: Anna Magnani was the first Italian and non-native English speaker to win an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Magnani began her career studying at the Eleonora Duse Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in Rome. To support herself during this period she sang in nightclubs. Her breakthrough subsequently came with her role in "Rome, Open City" (1945), a film that helped launch the Italian neorealism movement.
Her intense acting style caught the attention of international filmmakers and audiences. Magnani starred in both Italian and American films, working with directors such as Luchino Visconti and Jean Renoir. She had a relationship with director Roberto Rossellini, which ended when he became involved with actress Ingrid Bergman.
Playwright Tennessee Williams wrote "The Rose Tattoo" (1955) specifically for Magnani. Her performance in the film adaptation earned her an Academy Award.
Throughout her career, Magnani balanced her professional life with caring for her son, who had been diagnosed with polio at a young age. She continued to act in films until the late 1960s.
Born: March 7, 1908
Birthplace: Rome, Italy
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Pisces
Died: September 26, 1973 (aged 65)
Cause of Death: Pancreatic cancer
Acting Career
References
Famous Actresses
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