Introduction to Anna Magnani
Anna Magnani was a talented Italian actress who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. Her life was marked by both personal struggles and professional successes. Less than a year before her rise to fame, Teresa Gullace, a six-month pregnant mother of five children, was shot by a Nazi soldier in Rome after helping her captured husband. This tragic event inspired the film "Rome, Open City," in which Magnani’s character, Francesco, pays homage to Gullace by calling out "Teresa."
An Unconventional Star
Magnani’s ability to convey raw pain on screen may have contributed to her relatively low popularity in the United States compared to other Italian actresses of her time. According to de Bernardinis, "Anna is the embodiment of a country that came out of war with the courage to show its wounds." In contrast, other Italian actresses like Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida represented a more carefree and glamorous Italy, one that wanted to forget the war and its hardships.
Career Highlights
"Rome, Open City" became a huge success in Italy and the first non-American film to gross over $1 million in the United States. The American press praised Magnani’s performance, with the New York Times noting her ability to "cry real tears, laugh real laughter, and be tired, smarter in love." Tennessee Williams was so impressed with her talent that he tried to convince her to act in his new play on Broadway, one of many American offers that she rejected. Williams described Magnani as a woman who "sinks her claws into your heart."
Personal Life and Legacy
Magnani’s personal life was marked by struggles, including the loss of her son to polio. Despite these challenges, she remained a strong and intimidating figure, both on and off screen. According to de Bernardinis, Magnani was "not cute or soothing," but rather a powerful presence who commanded respect. Her legacy continues to inspire young women, including actress Liliana Fiorelli, who admires Magnani’s ability to succeed despite the photogenic standards of her time and her own tortured biography.
A Fiery Personality
Magnani’s personality was as fiery as her performances. One famous anecdote tells the story of how she reacted to news that Ingrid Bergman was interested in her partner, Rossellini. When Bergman wrote to Rossellini, Magnani responded by throwing a plate of spaghetti in his face, telling him to "eat it!" This episode has become legendary, with friends and spectators still recounting the story today. Magnani’s intimidating presence and strong personality continue to fascinate audiences, making her a true Hollywood legend.
