Isabella Ferrari

Isabella Ferrari (born Isabella Fogliazza on 31 March 1964 in Ponte dell'Olio, Province of Piacenza, Emilia‑Romagna) is one of Italy’s most versatile performers, known for her work across cinema, television and stage. She first entered the public eye at the age of fifteen when she was crowned Miss Teenager in a local discotheque contest, a title that opened doors to the entertainment world and led to her professional debut two years later as the youthful Selvaggia in Carlo Vanzini’s summer comedy Sapore di mare (1982). The film’s success and its sequel Sapore di mare 2 – un anno dopo established Ferrari as a recognizable face in the early 1980s, and she quickly expanded her repertoire to include more dramatic roles, theatrical productions, and a steady stream of television appearances. Her breakthrough on the small screen arrived in 2000 when she was cast as Commissioner Giovanna Scalise, the charismatic lead of the popular police drama Distretto di Polizia and its sequel, a performance that cemented her status as a household name and showcased her ability to blend authority with emotional depth. In 1995 she earned international acclaim by winning the Volpi Cup for Best Supporting Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her nuanced portrayal of Andreina in Ettore Scola’s Romanzo di un giovane povero, a milestone that highlighted her talent for subtle, character‑driven storytelling. Subsequent nominations for the prestigious David di Donatello awards for The Goodbye Kiss (2006) and Quiet Chaos (2008) further affirmed her critical standing. Beyond acting, Ferrari has contributed to the arts as a jury member for the 74th Locarno Film Festival in 2021 and continues to attract leading directors, evidenced by her 2025 casting in Bertrand Mandico’s upcoming project Roma elastica. Off‑screen, she resides in Rome with her three children—Teresa (1995), Nina (1998) and Giovanni (2001)—from her marriages to businessman Massimo Osti and director Renato De Maria. Her enduring career, marked by continual reinvention and a blend of commercial appeal and artistic integrity, makes her a pivotal figure in contemporary Italian entertainment.