Anna Demetrio was an Italian-American actress, best known for her roles in “Miss V from Moscow,” “Escape to Paradise,” and “Call of the South Seas.” Born on November 8, 1892, in Rome, Lazio, Italy, she spent much of her career in the United States, where she became popular in films starting in the 1930s. She passed away on November 8, 1959, in San Mateo, California, USA.
Personal and Family Life
Anna Demetrio was the daughter of an officer in the Italian Royal Marines. She was educated at a convent and a university in Rome. Anna began her acting career on stage in 1920 and later joined the Morosco stock company when she moved to the United States.
Career
Demetrio appeared in many films starting in 1933 and gained recognition as a character actress known for her heavy Italian accent. She played supporting roles that showcased her talent, making her a familiar face in the film industry during her career.
Death and Legacy
Anna Demetrio died on her birthday, November 8, 1959. Her contributions to film, particularly in portraying Italian characters, left a lasting impact on the industry. She is remembered for her dedication to acting and the charm she brought to her roles.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Too Much Harmony | 1933-09-23 | Mrs. Gallotti |
| Fugitive Road | 1934-08-22 | Mama Vinocchio |
| Young Buffalo Bill | 1940-04-11 | Elena |
| The Llano Kid | 1939-12-08 | Fat Maria |
| Fatal Lady | 1936-05-15 | Brazilian Opera Troupe (uncredited) |
| The Big Store | 1941-06-20 | Maria |
| Idiot’s Delight | 1939-01-27 | Fat Italian Woman on Train |
| The Crusades | 1935-08-21 | Duenna |
| In Old Caliente | 1939-06-19 | The Dueña [unconfirmed] |
| Escape to Paradise | 1939-12-22 | Señora Ramos, Roberto’s Mother |
| The Bandit Queen | 1950-12-22 | Maria |
| Miss V from Moscow | 1942-11-23 | Madame Finchon |
| In Old Mexico | 1938-09-09 | Elena |
| Law of the Pampas | 1939-11-03 | Dolores |
| It’s a Date | 1940-03-22 | Gertie – the Cook (uncredited) |
| Call of the South Seas | 1944-04-07 | Latona |
| Silly Billies | 1936-03-20 | Humming Bird |
| Submarine D-1 | 1937-11-27 | Panamanian Lottery Ticket Seller |
| Submarine Base | 1943-07-20 | Angela Styx |
| Next Time We Love | 1936-01-30 | Madame Donato |
| Torchy Blane in Panama | 1938-05-07 | Fat Woman (uncredited) |
| Tropic Holiday | 1938-06-29 | Shopkeeper (uncredited) |
| Torch Singer | 1933-09-08 | Italian Diner |
| A Bell for Adano | 1945-06-21 | Rosa |
| Appointment with Murder | 1948-11-24 | Senora Rosa – Italian Woman (as Ann Demetrio) |
| September Affair | 1950-10-18 | Rosita |
| Born to Be Wild | 1938-02-16 | Cristobella |
| Show Boat | 1936-05-17 | |
| Dragon Seed | 1944-07-20 | Wu Sao |