Marisa Pavan was an American actress known for her roles in The Rose Tattoo, Solomon and Sheba, and The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit. Born on June 19, 1932, in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, she gained recognition not only for her acting but also for her contributions to music and Alzheimer’s research.
Personal and Family Life
Marisa was born Maria Pierangeli and had a twin sister named Pier Angeli. She had two marriages, first to Jean-Pierre Aumont, with whom she had two children, and later to the same man again until his death in 2001. Marisa’s family background included parents Luigi Pierangeli and Enrichetta Romiti, and several nieces and nephews.
Career Highlights
Although initially not interested in acting, Marisa was cast by director John Ford in What Price Glory? (1952). She later adopted the name Pavan, a tribute to a Jewish officer her family helped during World War II. Pavan became well-known for her support roles, especially earning an Oscar nomination for her performance in The Rose Tattoo. Despite her success, she found Hollywood unfulfilling and shifted her focus to television and theater.
Death and Legacy
Marisa Pavan passed away on December 6, 2023, in Gassin, Var, France. Her legacy includes her impactful performances in film and television, as well as her work in supporting Alzheimer’s research through her organization, URMA. Pavan’s courage and independence inspired many, especially with her belief in living life on her own terms.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit | 1956-04-12 | Maria Montagne |
| Solomon and Sheba | 1959-12-18 | Abishag |
| Down Three Dark Streets | 1954-09-02 | Julie Angelino |
| The Rose Tattoo | 1955-12-12 | Rosa Delle Rose |
| What Price Glory | 1952-08-22 | Nicole Bouchard |
| The Midnight Story | 1957-06-04 | Anna Malatesta |
| John Paul Jones | 1959-06-16 | Aimee de Tellison |
| L’Événement le plus important depuis que l’homme a marché sur la lune | 1973-09-20 | Maria Mazetti |
| Drum Beat | 1954-11-10 | Toby |
| Diane | 1956-01-12 | Catherine de Medici |
| Antoine et Sébastien | 1974-01-16 | Mathilde |
| The Diary of Anne Frank | 1967-11-26 | Margot Frank |
| Ho scelto l’amore | 1953-03-03 | Maria |
| Hollywood, la vie rêvée de Lana Turner | 2019-05-22 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald | 1977-09-30 | Evita Alesio |
| Cutter’s Trail | 1970-02-10 | Angelita Avila |
| Le puits aux trois vérités | 1961-09-12 | Une invitée au vernissage |