Introduction: Who was Pier Angeli?
Pier Angeli was an Italian actress who gained international fame in the 1950s. She was born on June 19, 1932, in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy. Her real name was Anna Maria Pierangeli, but she changed it to Pier Angeli when she started acting. She began her career in Italy and later moved to Hollywood, where she starred in several movies. Unfortunately, her life was cut short, and she died at the young age of 39.
Biography: Early Life and Career
Childhood and Family
Pier Angeli was born into a large family. She had six siblings, including a twin sister named Marisa Pavan, who also became an actress. Her parents were both Italian, and her father was a railway worker. The family moved around a lot when Pier was young, and they eventually settled in Rome.
Acting Career
Pier Angeli began acting in Italy when she was just a teenager. She made her film debut in 1950 in the movie “Domani è troppo tardi” (Tomorrow Is Too Late). She quickly became a popular actress in Italy and appeared in several more films, including “Teresa” (1951), which earned her critical acclaim.
James Dean and Movies
Relationship with James Dean
Pier Angeli met James Dean in 1951 when they were both auditioning for a movie. They began dating soon after and became engaged in 1952. However, their relationship was tumultuous, and they broke up several times before finally ending things for good in 1955.
Movies
Pier Angeli appeared in several Hollywood movies in the 1950s, including “The Silver Chalice” (1954) and “Somebody Up There Likes Me” (1956), in which she starred opposite Paul Newman. She also starred in the Italian movie “La risaia” (1956) and the French movie “Le Septième Ciel” (1958).
Death and Legacy
Cause of Death
Pier Angeli died on September 10, 1971, in Beverly Hills, California. The cause of death was a drug overdose, and it was ruled a suicide.
Legacy
Pier Angeli’s legacy lives on through her movies and the impact she had on Hollywood. She was a talented actress who had a bright future ahead of her before her life was cut short. Her twin sister, Patrizia Pierangeli, also became an actress and continues to work in the industry today.
Conclusion
Pier Angeli was a talented actress who made a name for herself in Italy and Hollywood. Despite her success, her life was plagued by personal struggles, including her tumultuous relationship with James Dean and her untimely death. However, her legacy lives on through her movies and the impact she had on the film industry.
FAQ
Who was Pier Angeli?
Pier Angeli was an Italian actress who gained fame in the 1950s for her roles in Hollywood movies.
What were some of Pier Angeli’s most famous movies?
Some of Pier Angeli’s most famous movies include “Teresa,” “The Light Touch,” “Battle of the Bulge,” and “Sodom and Gomorrah.”
How did Pier Angeli die?
Pier Angeli died on September 10, 1971, at the age of 39. She died of a barbiturate overdose, which was ruled a suicide.
Did Pier Angeli have a relationship with James Dean?
Yes, Pier Angeli and James Dean had a brief relationship in the 1950s. They met while filming “East of Eden” and were engaged for a short time before breaking up.
What was Pier Angeli’s personal life like?
Pier Angeli was married twice and had two sons. She struggled with depression and had a tumultuous personal life, which included a failed marriage to singer Vic Damone.
