Pier Angeli was an Italian-American actress who is best known for her roles in “Somebody Up There Likes Me,” “Sodom and Gomorrah,” and “The Silver Chalice.” Born on June 19, 1932, in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, she became famous for her captivating performances in film.
Personal and Family Life
Pier Angeli was born as Anna Maria Pierangeli, and she had a twin sister named Marisa Pavan. She was married twice, first to singer Vic Damone from 1954 to 1958, with whom she had a son named Perry Rocco Luigi Farinola Damone. Angeli later married composer Armando Trovajoli from 1962 until their separation in 1965, and they had one child together named Andrew Trovajoli.
Career Highlights
Pier Angeli began her acting career in Italy with her first role at the age of 16 in “The Million Dollar Nickel” (1952). Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she gained recognition in Hollywood with films like “Somebody Up There Likes Me” (1956) and “Battle of the Bulge” (1965). Despite early success, her acting career faced challenges, leading to a decline in film offers towards the end of her life.
Death and Legacy
Pier Angeli passed away on September 10, 1971, from a barbiturate overdose at her home in Beverly Hills, California. She was only 39 years old at the time of her death. Angeli is remembered for her beauty and talent, and her contributions to both Italian and American cinema continue to be celebrated.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Somebody Up There Likes Me | 1956-07-04 | Norma Graziano |
| Battle of the Bulge | 1965-12-16 | Louise |
| Sodom and Gomorrah | 1962-10-04 | Ildith |
| The Silver Chalice | 1954-12-20 | Deborra |
| SOS Pacific | 1959-10-14 | Teresa |
| Nelle pieghe della carne | 1970-05-02 | Falesse / Ester Gardere |
| The Angry Silence | 1960-03-10 | Anna Curtis |
| Octaman | 1971-11-03 | Susan Lowry |
| Merry Andrew | 1958-03-20 | Selena Gallini |
| Mam’zelle Nitouche | 1954-04-21 | Denise de Flavigny / Nitouche |
| The Devil Makes Three | 1952-09-19 | Willie Lehrt |
| The Story of Three Loves | 1953-03-26 | Nina Burkhardt |
| Port Afrique | 1956-06-18 | Ynez |
| Flame and the Flesh | 1954-05-05 | Lisa |
| Meet Me in Las Vegas | 1956-03-09 | Pier Angeli (uncredited) |
| Domani รจ un altro giorno | 1951-01-24 | Luisa |