Happy 80th Birthday Sandra Milo

Elena Liliana Greco was born on March 11, 1933 in Tunis, Tunisia. She is the cousin of actor Yves Montand [1921-1991]. As Sandra Milo, she made her film debut alongside Alberto Sordi in “The Bachelor” (1955). Her first major role came in 1959 thanks to the producer Moris Ergas, in “Il generale della Rovere”, directed by Roberto Rossellini. She then appeared in his “Vanina Vanini” (1961), but Rossellini's career was cut short after the film received harsh criticism at the Venice Festival.

After she married, she retired from her acting career. Until discovered by Fellini, Milo had mostly performed in comedies and melodramas. Although she was reluctant to make a comeback, Fellini convinced her to take on the role of the sexy, lightheaded mistress opposite Marcello Mastroianni in “8½” (1963). The movie, which won universal acclaim, failed to change the public perception of her and although she was cast in “Juliet of the Spirits” (1965), most of her following endeavors were second-rate films. Milo appeared in two Euro-westerns; “Bang Bang Kid” (1967) and “Dead for a Dollar” (1968)

She retired again from acting in 1968, only to make a second comeback in 1979. Her roles have shifted from that of temptress to more stern middle-aged women. In 2006-07 she toured Italy with the theatrical adaptation of “8 Women”.

Today we celebrate Sandra Milo’s 80^th birthday.