10 Facts About Lyda Borelli

Lyda Borelli's career in theatre started when she was a child, acting on stage with Paola Pezzaglia in the French drama I due derelitti.

Lyda Borelli was born on 22 March 1884, the second child to stage actors Napoleone Borelli and Cesira Banti Borelli.

Lyda Borelli had an older sister, Alda, who became an actress.

In 1913, Lyda Borelli made her film debut in Ma l'amor mio non muore, directed by Mario Caserini, who was considered to be the best Italian silent film director, and starring opposite Mario Bonnard.

Between 1913 and 1918 Lyda Borelli made 14 films and appeared in 2 documentaries.

Lyda Borelli often portrayed vamps who end up committing suicide via poison.

Lyda Borelli's acting was mainly based on excessive gestures, painful expressions and languid gazes.

In 1918, at the height of her career, Lyda Borelli retired and married Vittorio Cini, Count of Monselice.

Lyda Borelli joined the plotting against Mussolini, and with the Nazi occupation of Northern Italy, he was arrested by the SS and sent to the Dachau concentration camp.

Lyda Borelli died on 2 June 1959 and was buried at Ferrara Charterhouse alongside her son.