Francesca Santoro's life story is a fascinating tale of artistic expression and academic pursuit. Born in Los Angeles, she began her career in the entertainment industry, taking on the role of Aggie in the iconic film "The Great Dictator". This early start in the spotlight was just the beginning of her journey, as she went on to participate in numerous other films, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
However, Francesca's passion for the arts soon led her to explore other creative avenues. She packed her bags and traveled to the Netherlands, where she enrolled at the prestigious Amsterdam Conservatory of Music to hone her vocal skills. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Freddy L'hoir, with whom she would go on to have five children: Alwyn, René Paul, Robin, Emile, and Aaron.
But Francesca's thirst for knowledge and adventure didn't stop there. She continued her education, attending the University of California at both Irvine and Berkeley as an undergraduate student. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her academic journey, as she went on to win a Fulbright Scholarship to Rome in 1981.
For the next seven years, Francesca immersed herself in the rich cultural heritage of Italy, living in Rome and studying Ancient History and Classical Languages. Her dedication and hard work ultimately paid off, as she earned her PhD in 1988. This impressive achievement was followed by the publication of two academic books on Roman Historiography, solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in the field.
Francesca's academic prowess was recognized with the Rome Prize and her election as a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome in 1997. Despite her many accomplishments, she has chosen to reserve her acting talents for the classroom, where she continues to teach and inspire new generations of students.
