
Acting
Born January 11, 1954 · Roma, Lazio, Italy
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.

Sabato, domenica e lunedì
2021

Ninna nanna
2017

Wałesa: Man of Hope
2013

To Rome with Love
2012

Bloody Sin: Abonimations of the Third Reich
2011

The Museum Of Wonders
2010

Guardando Le Stelle
2008

Guido, Who Challenged the Red Brigades
2007

Sulle Ali Dei Gabbiani - L'isola va in città
2006

Leo e Beo
1998

Intolerance
1996

Rimini, Rimini: A Year Later
1988

Era una notte buia e tempestosa...
1985

The Adventures of Hercules
1985

Occhio nero, occhio biondo, occhio felino...
1983

L'Ave Maria
1982

Giocare d'azzardo
1982

Culo e camicia
1981

Nightmare City
1980

The Crazy Neighbors 2
1980

Visanteta, estáte quieta
1979

El virgo de Visanteta
1979

The Criminals Attack. The Police Respond
1977

My Father's Private Secretary
1976

Rome, Armed to the Teeth
1976

La lozana andaluza
1976

The Cop in Blue Jeans
1976

Drakut the Avenger
1961