Sandra Milo, icon of Italian cinema who played a key role in 8 1/2 Federico Fellini’s muse and who later became his muse, died Monday, his family announced. She was 90 years old.
Milo, known for her high, distinctive voice, died in her sleep at her home in Rome, surrounded by her family and her beloved dogs Jim and Lady, according to a family statement broadcast by public television RAI.
The Venice Biennale paid tribute to the deceased on social media, describing her as an “unforgettable and versatile” actress, both in comedy and drama.
Born Elena Salvatrice Greco, Milo started her career in Roberto Rossellini’s 1959 film Il generale Della Rovere. She starred with some of the greats of the post-war Italian film industry, including Alberto Sordi and Marcello Mastroianni, with whom she appeared in the Oscar-winning film 8 1/2.
Milo played Carla, the mistress of Mastroianni’s director, Guido.
Fellini then cast her alongside his own wife in the film “Juliette of the Spirits” in 1965. Two decades later, Milo recounted their 17-year secret love affair in his indirectly autobiographical book, Carol Federico.
Milo then became a fixture on Italian television as a variety show host.