Sandra Milo

Born under a less catchy name, the gorgeous Italian actress, Sandra Milo, is best remembered for her collaborations with the great director Federico Fellini. After nearly a decade of playing mostly forgettable roles in frivolous comedies, Milo married in 1961 with the intention of ending her acting career. She was encouraged to return by Fellini, and played the spoiled mistress, Carla, in his surreal opus "8½," which was immediately hailed as a masterpiece. Milo was swept up in the film's success, earning a Silver Ribbon for Best Supporting Actress from the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists. Her on-the-nose portrayal of the bimbo in "8½" did little to change public perception of her, however, and she had even more trouble finding stimulating roles following its release. Fortunately, she reteamed with Fellini in 1965 for "Juliet of the Spirits." Fellini's first exercise in color filmmaking, the surrealist drama cast Milo in three separate roles: the protagonist's sexy neighbor, Suzy; a young circus performer, Fanny; and the guiding spirit, Iris. Milo received a second Best Supporting Actress award, but her talent still went unrecognized by many directors. She took another hiatus from acting in 1969, not to return in earnest for another 10 years. Her youthful looks fading, Milo played many gruff middle-aged women in the ensuing decades. In 2003, she memorably appeared in a supporting role in the romance "Incantato."