Mariangela Melato Dies, 'Swept Away' Actress Was 71
Marinangela Melato, the actress who starred in 1974's "Swept Away," has died at age 71 on Friday.
The Italian star died in a Roman hospital following a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to BBC.
Born in Milan, Melato studied at the city's Theatre Academy and began her stage career in the early 1960s. The blonde actress made her big screen debut in 1969, and some of her early roles included films "Between Miracles," "The Working Class Goes to Heaven," and "Lo chiameremo Andrea (We'll Call Him Andrew)."
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During the 1970s, Melato teamed up with director Lina Wertmuller and through their working relationship starred in "The Seduction of Mimi," "Love and Anarchy," and the critically acclaimed "Swept Away by an Unusual Destiny in the Blue Sea of August."
Madonna later starred in an unsuccessful reboot of "Swept Away."
Melato worked with some of Europe's most celebrated directors, and after the international success of her films, the actress tried to make a career in America. In 1980, the actress appeared in "Flash Gordon" and then one year later played opposite Ryan O'Neal in "So Fine."
More recently, the actress' career led her to the small screen including the Italian language adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca" and a television adaptation of the play "Filumena Marurano."
Many of Melato's fans mourned the actress on Friday, taking to Twitter with their grief.
"I giant, I'm very sad," posted Nicola. "Saw her on stage a few years back. R.I.P."
"One of my favorite actresses passed away today," wrote Daniela. "RIP Mariangela Melato. Your immense talent will be deeply missed."
Twitter user Matteo added, "Italy lost another great lady and talented artist… arrivderci Mariangela Melato."
