Monica Vitti was the “Queen of Italian Cinema,” best known in the English-speaking world for her starring role in the spy spoof “Modesty Blaise.”
- Died: February 2, 2022 (Who else died on February 2?)
- Details of death: Died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 90.
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Acting career
Vitti began acting professionally in the 1950s and soon became well known in Italy. She became a muse of the great Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni, starring in several of his films including “L’Avventura” and “La Notte.” After gaining fame in Italy and as a rising star in international film circles, Vitti was cast in the 1966 British spy comedy “Modesty Blaise.” She starred in her first English-language film as the title character, a criminal mastermind hired by the British Secret Service. Vitti primarily stayed in Italian cinema, though she starred in the 1979 Hollywood movie “An Almost Perfect Affair.” She remained popular and acclaimed in Italy for many years, winning seven Italian Golden Globes for Best Actress and five David di Donatello Awards for Best Actress, among other honors.
Vitti on her love for starring in comedies
“Making people laugh is a wonderful thing. Discovering how to make people laugh is like discovering you are the king’s daughter.” —from a 1993 interview for La Stampa
Tributes to Monica Vitti
Full obituary: The New York Times
