Cool, elegant beauty who began appearing in films in the mid-1950s, playing characters far from her sprightly self. Vitti was cast in several stage plays directed by Michelangelo Antonioni in the later part of the decade and gained international recognition for her performances in his films. With a presence as distant and forlorn as the landscape that figures so prominently in Antonioni's work, Vitti was perfectly suited to his singular vision, contributing memorably to the classic trilogy, "L'Avventura"(1960), "La Notte" (1961) and "L'Eclisse" (1962) and to the neurotic study of angst and alienation, "Red Desert" (1964). Vitti made her own directing debut in 1989 with "Scandalo Segreto/Secret Scandal".
Companion
COMPANION: Carlo Di Palma. Director of photography. No longer together.
COMPANION: Roberto Russo. Director. Together since 1975.
Milestone
While studying at Pitman's, played a teenage protagonist in a benefit performance of Niccodemi's "La Nemica"
Toured Germany with an Italian stage company
Rome stage debut in Macchiavelli's "La Mandragora"
1955: Film debut in bit part, "Ridere Ridere Ridere"
1957: Joined Teatro Nuovo di Milano (company directed by Michelangelo Antonioni)
1959: First starring film role, and first of four films with director Michelangelo Antonioni, "L'Avventura"
1980: Reunited with Antonioni after 15 years; played a role in his "The Mystery of Oberwald"
1989: Screen directing and writing debut, "Scandalo Segreto/Secret Scandal" (also star)
Education
National Academy of Dramatic Arts - Rome, Italy
National Academy of Dramatic Arts - Rome, Italy - 1946-1953
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