Lelia Goldoni was an American actress who is best known for Shadows, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and The Day of the Locust. Born on October 1, 1936, in Manhattan, New York City, she made significant contributions to film and television throughout her career, showcasing her talent in diverse roles.
Personal and Family Life
Lelia Goldoni was born Lelia Vita Rizzuto to parents Charles Rizzuto and Rosaria Pernicone. She was of Italian descent and had familial ties to baseball legend Phil Rizzuto. Over the years, she was married three times, including to Robert Rudelson, with whom she had one child, Aaron J. Rudelson.
Career Highlights
Goldoni began her acting career in New York, where she studied drama under notable mentors like John Cassavetes. She gained recognition for her role in the drama Shadows and continued to star in various films and TV series, including Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. As a lifelong member of The Actor’s Studio, she also taught acting at multiple institutions, influencing a new generation of artists.
Death and Legacy
Lelia Goldoni passed away on July 22, 2023, at the age of 86 in Englewood, New Jersey. Her contributions to film and television left a lasting impact, particularly with her dynamic performances that challenged conventional roles for women in the industry. She is remembered not just for her talent but also for her dedication to the craft of acting.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Day of the Locust | 1975-05-07 | Mary Dove |
| Invasion of the Body Snatchers | 1978-12-20 | Katherine Hendley |
| Shadows | 1960-10-14 | Lelia |
| Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore | 1974-12-09 | Bea |
| Hysteria | 1965-04-01 | Denise James |
| Theatre of Death | 1967-07-21 | Dani Gireaux |
| Bloodbrothers | 1978-09-27 | Maria |
| Anything for John | 1993-09-06 | Self |
| The Disappearance of Aimee | 1976-11-17 | Emma Shaffer |
| Good Against Evil | 1977-05-22 | Sister Monica |
| Victims for Victims: The Theresa Saldana Story | 1984-11-12 | Mrs. Saldana |
| Cagney & Lacey | 1982-03-25 | |
| Cold Case | 2003-09-28 | Nurse Polly Leonard (2007) |
| Chain Link | 2008-04-01 |