Early Life and Background
Laura Antonelli, originally named Laura Antonaz, was born on November 28, 1941, in Pula, Istria, which was then part of Italy and is now in Croatia. Her family relocated to Italy when she was very young due to the post-World War II Istrian-Dalmatian exodus. Growing up in Naples, Laura attended the “Vincenzo Cuoco” Scientific High School and later graduated from the I.S.P.E.F. (Istituto Superiore Pareggiato di Educazione Fisica).
Early Career
Laura began her professional life as a gymnastics teacher at the Liceo Artistico in Rome. However, her striking beauty soon led her to the world of advertising and photo stories. Her initial foray into the entertainment industry included minor roles in films such as “Il magnifico cornuto” (1964) by Antonio Pietrangeli and “Le sedicenni” (1965) by Luigi Petrini.
Breakthrough and Stardom
Laura’s big break came in 1971 with “Il merlo maschio,” directed by Pasquale Festa Campanile, where she starred alongside Lando Buzzanca. The film’s success was a prelude to her defining role in “Malizia” (1973), directed by Salvatore Samperi. Her portrayal of a seductive maid opposite Turi Ferro and Alessandro Momo turned her into an iconic figure of Italian erotic cinema. The film was a massive hit, grossing around 6 billion lire, and Laura won the Nastro d’Argento for Best Actress.
Romantic Relationships and Public Persona
In 1971, Laura Antonelli began a relationship with French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, whom she met while filming “Gli sposi dell’anno secondo” by Jean-Paul Rappeneau. Her public image was further enhanced by her candid and provocative statements, which solidified her status as a sex symbol. One of her famous quotes was, “In the end, we all strip once a day.”
Diverse Film Roles
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Laura starred in a variety of films, showcasing her versatility. She worked with renowned directors such as Dino Risi in “Sessomatto” (1973) and Giuseppe Patroni Griffi in “Divina creatura” (1975). Luchino Visconti cast her in “L’innocente” (1976), proving her capability to handle more substantial roles beyond her erotic image.
Later Career and Challenges
By the early 1980s, Laura began to face competition from younger actresses. Despite this, she continued to appear in popular comedies like “Viuuuulentemente… mia” (1982) with Diego Abatantuono and “Grandi magazzini” (1986). One of her last notable roles was in “Rimini Rimini” (1987), where she played the lover of Maurizio Micheli.
Personal and Professional Decline
The 1990s marked a significant downturn in Laura Antonelli’s career and personal life. In 1991, during the filming of “Malizia 2000,” she underwent a cosmetic surgery procedure that went wrong, leaving her physically scarred. That same year, she was arrested for possession of 36 grams of cocaine at her villa in Cerveteri. Initially sentenced to three and a half years in prison for drug trafficking, she was later acquitted in 2000 due to a change in the law regarding personal use.
Legal Battles and Health Issues
The botched surgery had long-term effects on Laura’s physical and mental health. She sued the surgeon and the film’s production team, but the case was dismissed due to an allergic reaction being deemed the cause of the complications. The prolonged legal battle took a toll on her mental health, leading to several hospitalizations in mental health facilities.
Later Life and Legacy
Despite her struggles, Laura Antonelli remained a beloved figure in Italian cinema. In 2003, a court awarded her a symbolic sum of 10,000 euros for the health and image damages she suffered. However, her legal team pursued further compensation from the Italian government, resulting in a 108,000 euro award in 2006, confirmed by the Supreme Court of Italy in 2007.
In 2010, actor Lino Banfi made a public appeal on her behalf, highlighting that Laura had not received the compensation awarded by the court. On November 28, 2011, she gave a rare interview to Corriere della Sera, revealing that she was living a modest life in Ladispoli, assisted by a caregiver.
Death and Posthumous Recognition
On June 22, 2015, Laura Antonelli was found dead in her home in Ladispoli by her domestic worker. She was 73 years old. Her death marked the end of a life that had seen great beauty and success, as well as significant personal and professional challenges.
Cultural Impact and Historical Context
Laura Antonelli’s career was emblematic of a particular era in Italian cinema, where erotic films gained substantial popularity. Her roles in these films often reflected broader societal attitudes towards sexuality and femininity during the 1970s and 1980s. Her transition from an erotic icon to a versatile actress highlighted her talent and resilience, even as the industry evolved.
Conclusion
Laura Antonelli’s life was a mix of triumph and tragedy. Her rise to fame as an iconic beauty of Italian cinema and her subsequent struggles with personal and professional adversities paint a complex portrait of a woman who captivated audiences with her allure and talent. Despite the challenges she faced later in life, her contributions to film and her enduring legacy as a sex symbol and talented actress remain significant. Laura Antonelli’s story is a testament to the highs and lows of fame, and her impact on Italian cinema continues to be celebrated.
