Marina Malfatti(1933-2016)
- Actress
- Additional Crew
Marina Malfatti is an Italian actress who became a distinguished figure in European cinema, particularly known for her work in horror and dramatic films. Raised in Florence, she moved to Paris at age 17 where she attended the Cours d'Art Dramatique, the drama school founded by René Simon. After two years of dramatic training in France, she returned to Italy and obtained a scholarship for the prestigious Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, where she began her professional acting career with small roles in both film and theater. Her theatrical career gained significant momentum when veteran actor Arnoldo Foà selected her as his co-star in the play "Two for the Seesaw" by William Gibson, establishing her reputation in both comedic and dramatic stage productions. During the 1970s, Malfatti became an icon of Italian horror films, especially those with demonic themes, establishing herself as a compelling presence in the genre that would define much of her international recognition. Her film career encompassed notable horror and mystery productions including "All the Colors of the Dark" (1972), "The Bloodstained Lawn" (1973), and appearances in the television series "Sherlock Holmes" (1968), demonstrating her versatility across different mediums and genres. In the 1980s, her career shifted toward theater, culminating in 1986 when acclaimed author Alberto Moravia wrote the drama "La cintura" specifically for her, highlighting her respected status within Italian literary and theatrical circles. Throughout her career, Malfatti successfully navigated between stage and screen, building a reputation that extended from her early dramatic training in Paris to her later recognition as both a horror film icon and a respected theatrical performer. Her ability to transition between genres and mediums, combined with her distinctive screen presence, established Marina Malfatti as a significant figure in Italian cinema and theater, particularly remembered for her contributions to the horror genre during its golden period in Italian filmmaking.
