Maria Rosaria Omaggio
Biography
Maria Rosaria Omaggio (Rome, 1954 – 2024) was one of the most versatile figures in Italian entertainment, successfully spanning cinema, television, theatre, and writing. Of Neapolitan descent, she rose to fame at a very young age participating in Canzonissima (1973-74), a springboard that turned her into a household name and a beauty icon (appearing on famous covers such as Playboy and Playmen). She made her big-screen debut in 1976 in the "poliziotteschi" (Italian crime-thriller) films Rome Armed to the Teeth and The Cop in Blue Jeans. Her filmography is rich and varied, featuring international collaborations and roles for directors such as Woody Allen (To Rome with Love). The pinnacle of her artistic maturity coincided with her portrayal of Oriana Fallaci in Andrzej Wajda's film Walesa: Man of Hope (2013). For this role, she received the Pasinetti Award at the Venice Film Festival and the Oriana Fallaci Prize, earned for her extraordinary resemblance to and intense portrayal of the journalist. On television, she starred in numerous successful dramas and series, from Edera and Caro maestro to international productions like the Spanish series La sonata del silencio. The theatre was a place of experimentation and celebration for her. She portrayed great female figures such as Eleonora Duse and Dido, bringing to the stage texts by prestigious authors including Goldoni, Seneca, García Márquez, and Italo Calvino. She also distinguished herself as a director and translator (notably for Golda's Balcony). Beyond her artistic career, Omaggio was deeply dedicated to humanitarian causes as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF Italy, creating initiatives such as "Theatre for UNICEF." Gifted with a profound spirituality and an interest in Eastern disciplines, she was also an expert instructor of Taijiquan. Passing away in Rome in June 2024, she was bid a fond farewell by the world of culture. According to her wishes, her ashes were scattered in the sea off Ostia, sealing an unbreakable bond with her land and her freedom.
Movie Appearances
Sabato, domenica e lunedì
2021
Culo e camicia
as Ella Ferrari
1981
The Cop in Blue Jeans
as Silvia Cattani
1976
Leo e Beo
as Aunt Giulia
1998
My Father's Private Secretary
as Luisa
1976
Intolerance
as Fired Woman (segment "Un'altra lei")
1996
Guido, Who Challenged The Red Brigades
as Elsa Morante
2007
Wałesa: Man of Hope
as Oriana Fallaci
2013
Guardando Le Stelle
as Psychotherapist
2008
Era una notte buia e tempestosa...
as Lilian
1985
The Criminals Attack. The Police Respond
as Laura Olivieri
1977
Drakut the Avenger
as Milena
1961
La lozana andaluza
as Lozana
1976
The Adventures of Hercules
as Hera
1985
El virgo de Visanteta
as Visanteta
1979
The Crazy Neighbors 2
as Justina
1980
Visanteta, estáte quieta
as Visanteta
1979
Rimini, Rimini: A Year Later
as Immacolata
1988
To Rome with Love
as Pedestrian #2 with Directions
2012
Rome, Armed to the Teeth
as Anna
1976
