Caterina Murino

Caterina Murino, born on 15 September 1977 in Cagliari, Sardinia, is an Italian actress renowned for her versatility across theatre, film, and television. Initially dreaming of a medical career, she pivoted to the performing arts after finishing fifth in the 1997 Miss Italy contest and enrolling at the Scuola di Cinema e Teatro under Francesca De Sapio. Her professional debut came in 1999 with a stage production of Richard III, showcasing a raw talent that quickly attracted film directors. In 2004 she achieved her first cinematic breakthrough with The Corsican File, a role that positioned her as a rising star in the Italian film industry. Two years later, she gained international notoriety portraying Solange Dimitrios in the James Bond film Casino Royale, a performance that blended elegance with subtle menace and opened doors to global projects. Her career continued to flourish with appearances in television series such as the BBC One drama Zen alongside Rufus Sewell, and a memorable cameo in Bob Sinclar’s music video Far l'amore. In 2013 she embodied Penelope, the faithful wife of Ulysses, for a televised adaptation of Odysseus, demonstrating her capacity for classical roles. Beyond acting, Murino contributed as the host of the 80th Venice International Film Festival in 2023, highlighting her stature within the cinematic community. A partner of French attorney Édouard Rigaud since 2017, she publicly shared in July 2025 that she is expecting her first child, a boy conceived via IVF after two prior miscarriages, underscoring her personal resilience. Throughout her dynamic career, Murino has earned accolades such as the European Golden Globe at the 2008 Italian Golden Globe Awards, affirming her impact on both national and international screens.