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Pier Angeli was a talented actress whose brief but impactful career left an indelible mark on Hollywood. With her ethereal beauty, acting talent, and charisma, she captured the hearts of audiences and filmmakers alike during the golden age of cinema. In this biography, we will delve into the life and career of Pier Angeli, a star whose brilliance continues to be remembered.
Early Life and Entry into Hollywood
Pier Angeli born Anna Maria Pierangeli, was born on June 19, 1932, in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy and her journey to stardom began when her family moved to Rome. There, she caught the eye of Italian film producer Carlo Ponti, who helped her secure small roles in Italian films. Her early appearances included “Domani è troppo tardi” (1950) and “Teresa” (1951), the latter of which earned her critical acclaim and set the stage for her entry into Hollywood.
In 1950, at the age of 18, Pier Angeli was brought to Hollywood by renowned producer David O. Selznick. Her first American film, “The Light Touch” (1951), marked the beginning of her Hollywood career. However, it was her role in “Teresa” (1951) that truly made her a sensation, earning her a Golden Globe for Best Newcomer.
During her time in Hollywood, Angeli starred alongside some of the industry’s most prominent actors, including James Dean, Paul Newman, and Kirk Douglas. She shared the screen with James Dean in “East of Eden” (1955), and their off-screen relationship garnered significant media attention.
Pier Angeli’s Tragic Personal Life
Despite her professional success, Pier Angeli’s personal life was marked by turmoil and tragedy. Her romance with James Dean ended, and she entered into a tumultuous marriage with singer and actor Vic Damone in 1954. The marriage produced a son but ultimately ended in divorce in 1958.
The tragic blow in Angeli’s life came with the sudden death of her younger sister, Marisa Pavan, in 1959. This devastating loss deeply affected her, and it is said to have contributed to her emotional struggles.
What was Pier Angeli’s Cause of Death?
At the age of 39, Angeli was discovered dead from a barbiturate overdose at her Beverly Hills home on September 10, 1971. The day before she passed away, Angeli’s doctor had given her an injection of Compazine to settle her down sinec she couldn’t sleep and had ran out of Doriden.
Pier Angeli’s Legacy and Influence
Despite her relatively brief career, Pier Angeli’s beauty and acting talent continue to be celebrated. She left behind a small but significant body of work that continues to be appreciated by cinephiles and film historians. Her performances in films like “Teresa” and “Somebody Up There Likes Me” (1956) remain standout moments in the history of cinema.
References
https://www.encyclopedia.com/women/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/angeli-pier-1932-1971
