Laura Antonelli (born November 28, 1941) is a former Italian film actress.

Early years

Laura Antonelli was born Laura Antonaz in the city of Pula (then called Pola) in what was then the Italian district of Istria (the region is now part of Croatia).

Originally a school teacher, Antonelli began acting on the Italian television series Carosello and made her first film in 1965.

Career

Laura Antonelli's career peaked in the 1970s when she was a well-known sex symbol in Italian and international films, appearing in erotic movies such as Malicious (aka Malizia), 1977's Wifemistress (aka Mogliamante) and 1974's Till Marriage Do Us Part (aka Mio Dio come sono caduta in basso!).

She won the David di Donatello prize in 1973 and 1981 and the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Award, Nastro d'Argento in 1974.

In May, 1991, cocaine was found during a police raid on Antonelli's home. She was subsequently convicted of possession and dealing and sentenced to house arrest. She spent ten years appealing the conviction which was eventually overturned.[