LOS ANGELES Dec 24, 2005 — Argentina Brunetti, a character actress who played the worried wife of Mr. Martini in the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life," has died. She was 98.
Brunetti died in her sleep Tuesday in Rome, said Ben Ohmart, whose Boalsburg, Pa.,-based publishing house, BearManor Media, released Brunetti's autobiography. She had moved to Rome last year to live with her son, Mario, and his family, he said.
Brunetti starred in dozens of films and television shows over a career spanning more than 50 years.
She portrayed Dean Martin's mother in the 1953 comedy "The Caddy," in which Martin sings "That's Amore" to her, and performed with Desi Arnaz in the 1949 film "Holiday in Havana."
Her TV credits include "Hopalong Cassidy," "The Untouchables," "Kojak" and "Everybody Loves Raymond."
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1907, Brunetti followed her Sicilian mother, actress Mimi Aguglia, into the theater. Beginning with a walk-on role at age 3 in the opera "Cavalleria Rusticana," Brunetti performed throughout Europe and South America.
Her Hollywood career began in 1937 with contract work dubbing the voices of Jeanette MacDonald and Norma Shearer into Italian. She earned her first credited role as an Italian immigrant in Frank Capra's 1946 holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life," in which James Stewart's character helps her large family buy a house.
Her autobiography, "In Sicilian Company," which chronicles her family's show business adventures, was released in October. She also hosted a weekly blog, "Argentina Brunetti's Hollywood Stories."
"She not only hoped for a better world, but did many things to make it happen and for this she will be truly missed by family and friends," said a release on her Web site.
On the Net:
http://www.argentinabrunetti.com/
Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
Too the Family of Argentina I'm sorry she's gone she must of been a wonderful lady the way she did all those films I rely though she was very prety as well I am sorry again from the button of my heart. Mimi
Mimi Rubinelli
September 17, 2011 | Tucson, AZ
ITS ALWAYS HARD WHEN A LOVED ONE FALL ASLEEP IN DEATH. I HOPE THIS SCRIPTURE WILL BRING SOME ENCOURAGMENT TO HER FAMILY, FRIENDS AND HER FANS "PS 147:3 HE IS HEALING THE BROKEN HEARTED ONES, AND IS BINDING UP THEIR PAINFUL SPOTS"
July 03, 2011
For Argentina...a character actress who played the worried wife of Mr. Martini in the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your...
April 03, 2010
A better life she wanted it to be
throughout the world
what a wonderful life to see
No more pain, or sickness
nor death anymore
peace at last no reports of wars
you can be sure it's not just a dream
God promised by his son Christ Jesus
he'll bring
a solution to the problems plagued by many.
And all live life everlasting how happy
"Look the tent of God is whith mankind, and he will reside with them, and they willbe hi peoples. And God himself will be with...
Wanisha
July 23, 2008
Remembered By
- Saviola
September 08, 2007
you're a great actress, argentina, for ever!
greetings from zurich,
roger
roger groner
November 09, 2006 | Zurich, CA
Remembered By
Scott Chamberland
September 24, 2006 | St.Agatha, ME
I DON'T KNOW YOU, BUT I WONDER IF WE ARE RELATED SOMEHOW. I HOPE YOUR LIFE WAS GREAT AND FILLED WITH LOVE AND JOY.
MELANIE BRUNETTI
August 23, 2006 | OLYMPIA, WA
I never knew you, but often wondered if we were somehow related. My grandparents came from Bari, Italy. You were close to there age. It is unusual to see Brunetti in America spelled the same.My family always enjoys watching "It's a Wonderful Life" during the holidays. You will be missed.
Sincerely John Brunetti And Family
John Brunetti
January 08, 2006 | Olympia, WA