Italian cinema is in mourning as veteran actress Franca Bettoia has passed away at the age of 88. The beloved star, known for her roles in films such as "The Last Man on Earth" and "Teste rasate," died in Rome, as confirmed by her family.
Key Takeaways
- Franca Bettoia passed away at the age of 88 in Rome.
- She was married to Italian actor Ugo Tognazzi from 1972 until his death in 1990.
- Bettoia had a prolific career in Italian cinema, with notable roles in "The Last Man on Earth" and "Man of Straw."
- She is survived by her daughter, Maria Sole Tognazzi, a director.
Early Life and Career
Born in Rome on May 14, 1936, Franca Bettoia made her film debut in 1955. Her breakout role came in 1958 when she starred as "the other woman" in Pietro Germi’s "Man of Straw," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.
Notable Roles
Bettoia’s career spanned several decades, and she appeared in numerous films that left a lasting impact on Italian cinema. Some of her most notable roles include:
- "The Last Man on Earth" (1964): Directed by Ubaldo Ragona and Sidney Salkow, Bettoia portrayed Ruth, a woman fighting off a plague that turns humans into vampiric creatures.
- "Duel of Champions" (1961): Co-directed by Terence Young, she acted alongside Alan Ladd.
- "Day by Day, Desperately" (1961): Directed by Alfredo Giannetti.
- "Will Our Heroes Succeed in Finding Their Friend Who Mysteriously Disappeared in Africa?" (1968).
- "Don’t Touch the White Woman" (1974).
Personal Life
Franca Bettoia was married to Italian actor Ugo Tognazzi from 1972 until his death in 1990. Tognazzi was best known for his role in the 1978 movie "La Cage aux Folles," which was later adapted into "The Birdcage" in 1996. The couple had two children, Gianmarco Tognazzi and Maria Sole Tognazzi. Gianmarco is also an actor, and Maria Sole is a director.
Final Years and Legacy
Bettoia’s last film was "Teste rasate" (1993), in which she played the mother of her real son, Gianmarco Tognazzi. Her contributions to Italian cinema have left an indelible mark, and she will be remembered for her versatile roles and impactful performances.
Franca Bettoia is survived by her daughter, Maria Sole Tognazzi, who continues to contribute to the world of cinema as a director.
