Eleonora Giorgi passed away at the age of 71, after a long battle against pancreas cancer. Talent and icon of charm, she marked almost half a century of Italian cinema, moving from the vein of the sexy comedy to dramatic roles to the author comedy. Unforgettable his interpretations in the films of Carlo Verdone, from Talcum powder to Schoolmates.
The beginnings and success in the cinema of the seventies
His debut on the big screen takes place very young, not accredited, in Rome by Federico Fellini. The first important role arrives in 1973 with History of a cloistered nunwhere, next to Catherine Spoak, he plays Sister Agnese of Jesus, marking his entry into the genre of Italian erotic comedy. Follow films like Passionate And The flagaas well as a cover on Playboy which consecrates its seductive image.
Originally from a large family, with five English brothers and roots on the paternal and Hungarian side by maternal side, Eleonora Giorgi arrives at the cinema almost by chance. It is the scenographer Giulia Mafai, the second partner of his father, who advises her to try this path after some experiences as a model. With her light eyes, blond hair and refined bearing, the young actress rapidly imposes herself as one of the most fascinating faces of Italian cinema.
But 1974 also marks a dramatic moment in his personal life: the death of his boyfriend in a motorcycle accident throws it in a deep pain, leading her to make use of heroin and cross a period of depression. He momentarily moves away from the cinema, finding refuge on the radio.
Redemption and consecration in the eighties
After the difficult personal period, Eleonora Giorgi proves to be much more than an icon of beauty. In 1975 Alberto Lattuada offered her an important role in Dog hearttaken from the Bulgakov’s novel, where he starred next to Max von Sydow and Cochi Ponzoni. Collaborations follow with directors of the caliber of Giuliano Montaldo (Agnese goes to die), Damiano Damiani (A man on his knees), Dario Argento (Hell) and Franco Brusati (Forget Venice).
The eighties mark his turning point in the genre of comedy. Next to Adriano Celentano in Velvet hands and Renato Pozzetto in My wife is a witchconquers the audience with brilliant and light roles. The definitive consecration arrives in 1982 with Talcum powder by Carlo Verdone, who is worth the David di Donatello for the best leading actress. With Verdone he will then return to Schoolmates In 1988, another cult film of Italian cinema.
Private life and affections
In 1979 he married the publisher Angelo Rizzoli, from whom he has his first child, Andrea. Their union ends, and in 1983 the actress falls in love with Massimo Ciavarro on the set of Sea flavor 2: from their relationship the son Paolo is born. After the divorce from Ciavarro in 1996, Giorgi has a long story with the writer Andrea De Carlo until 2007.
From television to direction, a multifaceted career
Since the nineties, Eleonora Giorgi thinks of cinematographic apparitions and dedicates himself to television. Takes part in successful fiction like Death of a witch, The uncle of America And The Cesaroni. He also tests in different contexts: he participates in the Sanremo Festival as soubrette, a Dancing with the stars in 2018 and the third edition of the Big Brother Vipwhere it is eliminated to the fifth episode.
There is no lack of experience behind the camera. Sign two films as a director: Men & Women, Amori & Bugie (2003) e The last summer (2009), the latter produced with her ex -husband Ciavarro.
The last battle
In November 2023, Eleonora Giorgi announced that she is sick of pancreas cancer. He faces the disease with strength and dignity, sharing the path of treatments on television. In January 2024, guest a Very truetells with emotion: “These last 14 months have been scary on a physical level, but for what was created with my family it was the most beautiful year of my life”.
Actress, director, icon of an era, Eleonora Giorgi leaves a profound mark in Italian cinema and culture. His talent, his beauty and his ability to reinvent himself will remain in the memory of the public.
