Sandra Milo: A Tribute to the Versatile Talent, Career Achievements, and Personal Anecdotes of Italy’s Beloved Actress
Renowned Italian actress Sandra Milo, celebrated for her notable role in Federico Fellini’s 8½, passed away at 90. The news of her peaceful demise at her home in Rome, surrounded by family and her beloved dogs, Jim and Lady, was conveyed through a statement by her family on state-run RAI television. Recognized for her versatility in both comedy and drama, Milo’s distinctive high-pitched voice left a lasting impression. In 2021, she received the prestigious career achievement David di Donatello award, Italy’s equivalent of the Oscars.
Image Source: Gorup de Besanez, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Born Elena Salvatrice Greco in Tunis, Milo gained prominence under the guidance of director Antonio Pietrangeli. Her talent attracted the attention of acclaimed filmmakers like Roberto Rossellini, Gabriele Salvatores, Gabriele Muccino, Pupi Avati, Jean Renoir, and Claude Sautet. Collaborating with iconic figures in Italy’s postwar film industry, including Alberto Sordi and Marcello Mastroianni, Milo portrayed Carla in Fellini’s Oscar-winning 8½, depicting the mistress to Mastroianni’s character, the film director Guido.
Later, Milo starred alongside Fellini’s wife in the 1965 film Juliet of the Spirits. In her autobiographical book, Caro Federico, Milo revealed their 17-year secret love affair, solidifying her role as Fellini’s muse. Beyond the silver screen, Milo ventured into Italian television, becoming a prominent talkshow host.
In a dramatic incident in 1990 while hosting a show on RAI, Milo received a distressing call from a prankster falsely claiming that her son Ciro had been in a serious car accident. Overwhelmed, Milo left the studio hastily, only later discovering that her son was safe. Milo is survived by her son Ciro and two other children. The Venice Biennale bid farewell to the beloved actress with a heartfelt “Ciao, Diva!” on social media.
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