Laura Antonelli, a celebrated Italian film actress, was born Laura Antonaz on November 28, 1941, in Pola, Kingdom of Italy, a territory that is now part of Croatia, specifically in the city of Pula.
Antonelli's early life was characterized by a tumultuous backdrop, marked by her family's hasty departure from Yugoslavia in the aftermath of World War II, leading to a significant shift in their living arrangements. The family ultimately settled in Naples, a city that would become their new home. Her father, in an effort to establish a sense of stability, secured employment as a hospital administrator, a profession that would provide a sense of security for the family.
As Antonelli navigated her teenage years, she began to explore various interests, initially gravitating towards the realm of mathematics. However, it was not long before she discovered a profound passion for the art of gymnastics, a passion that would eventually blossom into proficiency in the discipline of rhythmical gym, a captivating form of dance that would become an integral part of her life.
Antonelli's academic journey culminated in the attainment of a degree in gymnastics instruction, following which she relocated to the Eternal City of Rome. It was in this picturesque metropolis that she embarked on a career as a secondary-school gym teacher, utilizing her pedagogical skills to shape the physical and mental well-being of her young students.
The illustrious Antonelli embarked upon her acting journey with a series of uncredited appearances in Italian cinematic productions, specifically Le sedicenni, a film that marked the beginning of her long and storied career in 1965.
As her star began to rise, Antonelli made her American debut in 1966 with a pivotal role in the comedy Dr. Goldfoot and the Girl Bombs. This milestone marked the starting point of a prolific period of her career, during which she would go on to appear in a wide range of films, including not only sex farces but also more serious, critically acclaimed productions.
One such notable example of her versatility as an actress is her appearance in Luchino Visconti's 1976 masterpiece, The Innocent, a film that showcased her remarkable range and depth as a performer.
Notable breakthrough in her acting career occurred in 1973 with the release of the film Malizia, a milestone that would ultimately lead to her receipt of the prestigious Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Award, Nastro d'Argento, in the following year of 1974.
Throughout her illustrious career, she continued to make significant contributions to the world of film and television, with notable appearances in the 1981 film Passione d'Amore and the 1991 film Malizia 2000, marking the culmination of her film career and serving as her final role in this medium.
Antonelli's marital status was marked by a union with publisher Enrico Piacentini, which ultimately came to an end in a divorce.
Maria's life took a dramatic turn in 1991 when a surprise police raid on her residence uncovered a stash of cocaine, subsequently leading to her conviction for both possession and dealing of the illicit substance. This pivotal event set in motion a decade-long legal odyssey, as Maria doggedly pursued an appeal of her conviction, driven by a steadfast determination to clear her name and restore her reputation.
As the years ticked by, Maria's unwavering commitment to her cause was matched only by the unyielding efforts of her legal team, who worked tirelessly to build a case that would ultimately exonerate her. And then, in a landmark decision, the Italian Court of Appeals delivered a resounding verdict in Maria's favor, overturning her conviction and ordering the Ministry of Justice to compensate her to the tune of a staggering 108,000 euros.
This remarkable turn of events marked a triumphant conclusion to Maria's long and arduous struggle for justice, a testament to her unshakeable resolve and an inspiration to those who have ever faced the daunting prospect of fighting against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Laura Antonelli, a renowned Italian actress, breathed her last on June 22, 2015, at the tender age of 73, succumbing to the merciless grasp of a heart attack.
