Giuliana Calandra

Giuliana Calandra (10 February 1936 – 25 November 2018) was a prolific Italian actress, journalist and television presenter whose career spanned more than five decades, leaving an indelible mark on cinema, theatre and broadcast media. Born in Moncalieri, a town in the Kingdom of Italy, she entered the entertainment world in the early 1960s, making her screen debut in Pier Paolo Pasolini’s controversial short La ricotta (1963) and quickly becoming a recognizable face in the flourishing Italian film industry. Over the next fifty years she appeared in hundreds of productions, ranging from genre‑bending horror such as Dario Argento’s Deep Red (1975) to socially engaged dramas by Marco Ferreri, Lina Wertmüller and Costa‑Gavras, demonstrating a remarkable versatility that allowed her to embody everything from aristocratic maidens to weary detectives. Her theatrical work, frequently staged with the legendary Giorgio Albertazzi, showcased her classical training and earned her praise for a commanding stage presence that complemented her on‑screen charisma. In the 1980s Calandra expanded her professional repertoire by turning to journalism and television, becoming a respected fashion and entertainment commentator and author‑presenter of several popular programmes, thereby influencing Italian popular culture beyond acting. This parallel career highlighted her sharp intellect and adaptability, traits that made her a beloved personality among both viewers and industry peers. Throughout her life she remained deeply connected to her Roman roots, often collaborating with notable directors such as Mario Monicelli, Dino Risi and Sergio Corbucci, which reinforced her status as a staple of Italy’s cinematic golden age. Calandra’s final screen appearance came in the comedy L’allenatore nel pallone 2 (2008), a fitting tribute to a woman who had seamlessly blended humor, drama and gravitas. She passed away in Aprilia on 25 November 2018, aged 82, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire actors, journalists and television hosts across generations.