Orchidea De Santis, a renowned Italian actress, was born on December 20, 1948, in Bari, Italy. Her early life was marked by frequent relocations due to her father's career as a naval officer, which led her family to settle in Gallipoli and eventually Rome. As a child, she was exposed to the hotel business, as her family ran a hotel in the capital of Puglia.
Orchidea's early passion lay in singing, and she began her career as a singer. She later transitioned to theater, honing her acting skills. Her versatility enabled her to explore various mediums, including cinema, radio, music, and television. From 2006 to 2013, she managed a blog, showcasing her multifaceted talents.
Throughout her career, Orchidea has been actively involved with animal rights and environmental organizations. In the 1970s, she gained recognition as an interpreter of Italian sexy comedy, often appearing in costume and Boccaccian settings. Her role in Alla mia cara mamma nel giorno del suo compleanno stands out, as she was made up to appear unattractive for script purposes.
However, a life-altering incident occurred in 1979, when Orchidea suffered a serious injury on the set of Carlo Vanzina's film Arrivano i gatti. She fell through a trap door, breaking her elbow, which was later surgically reconstructed. The accident risked permanent damage to her entire arm, effectively ending her film career.
