Elsa Martinelli: Biography, Facts and Career

Elsa Martinelli (born Elisa Tia; 30 January 1935 – 8 July 2017) was an Italian actress and fashion model. Described by The Guardian as a "versatile star of Hollywood’s international years whose work spanned romantic comedies, period epics, and spaghetti Westerns", she went on to star opposite Kirk Douglas, John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Charlton Heston, and Anthony Quinn, and was directed by André De Toth, Vittorio De Sica, Howard Hawks, and Orson Welles on both sides of the Atlantic. At the height of her career from the late 1950s into the late 1960s, she approached the popularity and status of top rival "Hollywood Italian imports" Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida, and Claudia Cardinale. Her looks birthed the quip that she was a "kind of Audrey Hepburn with sex appeal". Outside her film career, Martinelli was a member of the glitterati, married to an Italian count, and befriended international celebrities such as Maria Callas, Aristotle Onassis, and Jackie Kennedy. Martinelli made over 50 film appearances between 1954 and 1992.

Quick facts about Elsa Martinelli

• Full name: Elsa Martinelli
• Born: 1935-01-30
• Nationality: Italy
• Known as: Fashion figure
• Wikidata ID: Q466711

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