Biography

She was one of the most popular actresses of the 1950s and the 1960s. She was acclaimed not only in Italy, but in France and Japan too. From the second half of the '60s, she has been working more for TV than the big screen.

Hosting the TV Show "Domenica In"

She first came to prominence as a Miss Italy contestant in 1946; her failure to win caused a tabloid outcry.

Gave up full-time acting to look after her elderly parents in the mid-1960s.

Was nicknamed "Nini Pampan" in France.

[on Anthony Quinn, who said that Italian actresses "should think more about their acting and less of their bosoms"] I don't give a damn what Signor Quinn says. I want to be a plain, dramatic actress. I want the public to forget my physical gifts.

I've never been to a plastic surgeon. When the good Lord sends me wrinkles, I'll keep them because they're chic.

I believe I am a rare beauty; there are no other brunettes like me, except for Ava Gardner.

I had more marriage proposals than headaches.

[on the acting of modern starlets] A look, a wave of the hands, letting a dress slip off your shoulder - in my day you didn't act just with your boobs and backside.