Marisa Merlini (6 August 1923 – 27 July 2008) was an Italian character actress active in Italy's post-World War II cinema. Merlini appeared in over fifty films during her career, which spanned from World War II to 2005. She was, perhaps, best known for her role in the 1953 film Pane, Amore e Fantasia, directed by Luigi Comencini, in which she portrayed Annarella, a village midwife who marries the local police marshall, played by actor Vittorio De Sica.

Biography

A native of Rome, where she was born on 6 August 1923, Merlini was well known for playing the romana verace, or "born-and-bred Roman" characters. Merlini also appeared in several high profile comedic films alongside Italian actor, Totò, as well as the 1960 film Il Vigile with actor Alberto Sordi. Additionally, Merlini appeared in a number of films opposite her real life friend, Italian actress Anna Magnani.

Merlini's awards included the Nastro d'Argento (Silver Ribbon), a film critics' award in 1957 for portraying a tourist in the 1956 Antonio Racioppi directed film, Tempo di Villeggiatura.

Merlini's last appearance on screen came in the 2005 film, La Seconda Notte di Nozze, which was directed by Pupi Avati.

Marisa Merlini died in Rome, Italy, on 27 July 2008, at the age of 83. Director Pupi Avati, who directed Merlini's final 2005 film, La Seconda Notte di Nozze, paid tribute to Merlini saying, "Marisa brought to the set the experience of somebody who had taken part in the golden years of Italian cinema, but she was down-to-earth both in front of and behind the camera...Working with her was an honour and a fantastic experience."

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