Alicia Paneque's entry into the captivating world of cinema commenced with a serendipitous encounter, where she caught the attention of a prominent Italian film producer during a visit to the culturally rich and vibrant island of Cuba. This chance meeting led to an unexpected proposal, ultimately resulting in her decision to relocate to Italy, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life.
As she embarked on this new journey, Alicia Paneque's big-screen debut took place in 1961 with Primo Zeglio's critically acclaimed film, "The Seven Revenges". In this cinematic masterpiece, she showcased her impressive acting skills by taking on a supporting role, further solidifying her position as a rising star in the Italian film industry.
In the same calendar year, Cortez shared the cinematic stage with the renowned Gordon Mitchell in the Seven Arts production "The Giant of Metropolis", a film masterfully directed by the accomplished Italian filmmaker, Umberto Scarpelli. This marked the inception of a highly successful collaboration between the two actors, as they went on to co-star in two additional films, "Vulcan Son of Jupiter" in 1962 and "Ali Baba and the Seven Saracens" in 1964.
Cortez's multifaceted career trajectory unfolded as she effortlessly transitioned between various roles, showcasing her remarkable versatility as a performer. One of her earliest notable performances was that of an Arabian princess in the classic tale "Ali Baba and the Seven Saracens", a testament to her ability to effortlessly adopt diverse personas. Not content to rest on her laurels, Cortez continued to push the boundaries of her craft by taking on the role of Aetna, a Greco-Roman mythological figure, in the epic drama "Vulcan Son of Jupiter".
Her impressive performances continued to garner attention, with her standout performance in Antonio Leonviola-directed epic drama "Taur, The Mighty" in 1963, a true tour-de-force that cemented her status as a talented and dedicated actress.
Cortez's subsequent notable appearance was a significant milestone in her acting career, as she took on the role of the female lead in the 1963 film "Ali Baba and the Sacred Crown", a production directed by the esteemed Erminio Salvi. According to the authoritative book "Italian Sword and Sandal Films, 1908-1990", Cortez was a major asset to the production, her talent and dedication undoubtedly elevating the overall quality of the film.
In addition to her starring role in "Ali Baba and the Sacred Crown", Cortez also made a supporting appearance in the Gothic horror film "Katarsis" in 1963, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished actress.
Cortez's professional endeavors extended far beyond the realm of on-screen appearances, as she also pursued a successful career as a print model, specializing in showcasing cars and gracing the covers of numerous European publications.
Following her marriage, Cortez made the decision to step away from the film industry, thus bringing a close to her illustrious 11-film career, marking a significant chapter in her professional journey.
