Pier Angeli

She wasn’t exuberant like Sophia Loren, vivacious like Gina Lollobrigida, or intense like Anna Magnani. But she was just as talented. What distinguished her from these women were an ordinary-girl quality, a soft-spoken manner, a most delicate face, and the ability to deliver truly heartbreaking performances.

Perhaps she took from real experiences the emotions she conveyed on the screen. Her personal life was filled with turmoil. The world lost her in 1971, still at a young age. Fame, glory and happiness did not last very long for her.

Anna Maria Pierangeli was unpretentious, simple and realistic. She was the girl next door, the girl who suffered, cried and had weaknesses and fears, like most people.

Angeli conveyed sadness, the need for love and protection, and broke the audience’s hearts with her sweet, gentle way. She possessed great charisma and should be remembered as a beautiful, talented woman who had all it takes to become a superstar.