Sandra Milo, an Italian cinema icon who played a key role in Federico Fellini's “8 1/2” and later became his muse, died Monday, her family announced. She was 90 years old.
Posted at 9:59 am
Milo, known for her high, distinctive voice, died in her sleep at her home in Rome, surrounded by her family and beloved dogs Jim and Lady, according to a family statement carried by RAI public television.
The Venice Biennale paid tribute to the deceased on social media, describing her as an “unforgettable and versatile” actress in both comedy and drama.
Milo was born Elena Salvatrice Greco and began her career in Roberto Rossellini's 1959 film Il generale Della Rovere. She starred with some of the greats of the Italian post-war film industry, including Alberto Sordi and Marcello Mastroianni, with whom she appeared in the Oscar-winning film 8 1/2.
Milo played Carla, the lover of Mastroianni's director Guido.
Fellini then cast her alongside his own wife in the 1965 film “Juliette of the Ghosts”. Two decades later, Milo recounted their 17-year secret love affair in his indirectly autobiographical book “Caro Federico.”
Milo then became a fixture on Italian television as a variety show host.