Representatives of Italy's
political and cultural establishment paid homage to the
award-winning Italian film star Virna Lisi, who died on Thursday
aged 78.
Premier Matteo Renzi described the actress from Ancona, in
the central Marche region, as "an extraordinary woman" and a
"symbol of beauty and elegance" whose sultry blonde Marilyn
Monroe-like looks made her popular with producers on both sides
of the Atlantic.
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini drew attention to
Lisi's versatility as an actress, which won her numerous awards
including six Nastri d'Argento (Silver Ribbons), a prize for the
best female interpretation at Cannes and four David di Donatello
awards, including two for her career.
He also paid homage to an "even rarer quality: that of
maintaining all her talents within an aura of sobriety and
style".
"The world of show-business loses a major protagonist,"
said Franceschini, recalling how Lisi worked not only with the
most important Italian and international actors and film
directors but also extensively on stage and the small screen.
Lisi was also famed for her independence and
single-mindedness, which led her to turn down or rescind major
Hollywood contracts in favour of spending more time with her
husband and son in Italy.
"This is an extremely difficult profession," she said in an
interview a few years ago in reference to the miscarriage of two
children as a result of the physical demands of being on set and
far from home.
"With (Lisi) has gone a free and courageous woman, of great
ability and rare beauty, and yet an anti-diva," Speaker of the
Lower House, Laura Boldrini, wrote on her Facebook page.
"She was never afraid of growing old, she left the signs of
age on her always splendid face. An authentic woman who we shall
miss," she concluded.
Lisi starred in her last film, The Best Day of My Life,
directed by Cristina Comencini, in 2002.
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