An Italian movie star icon has passed away. Actress Lucia Modugno, who appeared in films by some of the country’s most celebrated directors, has died at 94.
Italy has lost one of its great on-screen legends with the death of actress Lucia Modugno. Her family confirmed to Italian news agency Adnkronos that the actress, who was 94, passed away on November 2nd at the Tiberia Hospital in Rome, Italy, Repubblica reported.
In a statement, the Undersecretary of State for Culture expressed her sadness over the actress’s death, saying, “Elegance, talent and years of hard work. Lucia Modugno was an artist who made a significant contribution to our country’s culture. She moved effortlessly from the big screen to the theatre, later also making her mark as a director and writer,” they said, per BariToday.
“With her passing, we lose a refined and talented professional who worked with some of Italy’s greatest directors, from Rossellini to Risi and Scola. My deepest condolences go to her family.”
Born in Bari on July 9, 1932, Lucia Modugno went on to have an incredible career in film, television, and theater.
Her career, spanning more than six decades, saw her appear alongside some of the biggest names in Italian cinema. Her film debut came in 1959, when legendary director Roberto Rossellini cast her as a young partisan in Il generale Della Rovere.
Throughout her career, Lucia Modugno worked with several other iconic Italian directors, including Dino Risi, Ettore Scola and Mario Bava.
Iconic Italian actress Lucia Modugno dies at 94
Among her best-known film appearances were the 1963 film I mostri, the 1964 film Se permettete parliamo di donne, and in 1968, Diabolik
She also appeared in Sergio Corbucci’s 1966 western Navajo Joe. Modugno became known to work in many genres, including comedy, horror, and spaghetti westerns.
Also, Modugno was a familiar face on Italian television, appearing in many popular productions. Even in her later years, she continued working in entertainment. Her more recent credits included the comedy drama Gli amici del bar Margherita from 2009. As late as 2020, Lucia appeared in the romantic comedy Gli anni più belli.
Modugno’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday, November 5, at 11 a.m. at the parish church of San Giuliano Martire in Rome.
Rest in peace, Lucia Modugno. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.
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