- Marcello Mastroianni
- Vittorio De Sica (my favorite director of all-time)
- Gian Maria Volonte
- Anna Magnani
- Sophia Loren
OMG, I loved her as Serafina in The Rose Tattoo - she was spectacular.
I’d like to add Isabella Rossellini to the list. Who could ever forget Dorothy in Blue Velvet? No one.
Giancarlo Giannini, especially in his early roles in The Seduction of Mimi, Love and Anarchy, and Seven Beauties.
Guilietta Masini,especially in La Strada.
I loved Monica Vitti in Teresa the Thief (Not so much in Modesty Blaise).
Fabiana Udenio was born in Argentina but grew up in Italy; does she count? She made a name for herself in some really dumb American movies (She was “Alotta Fagina” in Austin Powers and the Italian exchange student in Summer School), but really made an impression in these. Also, lots of American TV work.
I was massively impressed with Silvio Orlando in the Young Pope / New Pope. I didn’t know his work, but he was really the thread of continuity that held these two shows and their challenging style together.
Monica Bellucci. If she’s in it, I’m watching it.
Yeah, he was funny in those movies, with his confused look half the time.
How could I forget one of the best acting performances, in my 2nd favorite movie of all-time – Giulieta Masina as Gelsominia
“If I died, would you be a little sad?” (Tony Quinn is already asleep)
Alida Valli. Unforgettable in The Third Man.
Valeria Golino. Her career (at least in American films) is nothing particularly significant, but there’s something about her…
Yeah, Giulietta Massina came first to mind, in a class by herself.
Sophia Loren
Monica Bellucci
Only one credit so far, but (no pun intended) brilliant.
Gaia Girace