Who is Simonetta Stefanelli?
Simonetta Stefanelli was born on 30 November 1954 under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, in Rome, Italy. She is a 67-year-old entrepreneur, fashion designer, and former actress, probably still best recognized for starring in the role of Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone in the crime film “The Godfather” (1972).
How rich is she, as of now? Simonetta Stefanelli Net Worth
As of early 2022, Simonetta Stefanelli’s net worth is estimated at over $20 million, acquired mostly through her successful involvement in the world of entertainment as a professional actress from 1968 to 1992. She has also increased her wealth through her career as an entrepreneur.
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Early Life, Parents, Siblings, Nationality, Ethnicity, Religion, Educational Background
Simonetta Stefanelli spent her early years in her hometown of Rome, where she was raised by her father, Piero Natoli, and her mother Antonella Lualdi; their professions haven’t been revealed, and it’s also unknown whether she has siblings or is an only child. She holds Italian nationality, belongs to White Caucasian ethnic group, and is a Christian. Simonetta hasn’t shared any details about her education.
Career Beginnings
Simonetta Stefanelli launched her professional acting career in 1968, when she made her debut feature film appearance in a small role in the comedy film “La Moglie Giapponese”, which was directed by Gian Luigi Polidoro.
Three years later, she took the roles of Henia in the German made-for-TV drama film “Die Sonne Angreifen”, and Tano’s daughter in the comedy film “Homo Eroticus”, which became a blockbuster in the box office in Italy. Also in 1971, she was cast as ‘Giugi’ Santenocito in the comedy film “In The Name Of The Italian People”, which was directed by Dino Risi.
Rise to Prominence
In 1972, she landed the role of Maria Teresa in the comedy-drama film “Do Not Commit Adultery”, next to Barbara Bouchet and Marisa Merlini, then later that year gained worldwide fame through her Hollywood debut appearance in the role of Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone, the first wife of Michael Corleone, in Francis Ford Coppola’s crime film “The Godfather”, next to Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Richard Castellano.
She appeared topless although she was only 16 years old when the production began, and 17 when the film was released. The film was a huge critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film ever made at the time, winning Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film is considered one of the greatest and most influential films of all time. Also in 1972, she played Anna in the historical drama film “Il Caso Pisciotta”.
Continued Success
In 1973, Simonetta Stefanelli posed nude for the Italian edition of the magazine Playboy, and was later invited to continue her career in Hollywood, which she refused to avoid typecasting and doing nudity, so she continued her career in Italy.
During the same year, she filmed the drama “Gli Amici Degli Amici Hanno Saputo”, which was followed by her portrayal of Mrs Vitale in the mafia film “The Big Family”, directed by Tonino Ricci. Her next major role came in 1974, when she took the lead role of Lucrezia Borgia in the historical drama film “Young Lucrezia”, in which she shared the screen with Massimo Foschi, Ettore Manni and Anna Orso. During the same year, she played Gal Fabian in the TV miniseries “Ho Incontrato Un’ombra”, portrayed Elvira in the Italian-Spanish historical drama film “The King Is The Best Mayor”, which is based on the play of the same title by Lope de Vega, and featured as Sister Angela in the drama film “La Profanazione”.
She then landed the role of Cotbi in the TV miniseries “Moses The Lawgiver”, alongside Anthony Quayle, Ingrid Thulin and Burt Lancaster.
Further Work
In 1975, Simonetta starred in such roles as Doris in the erotic drama film “Scandal In The Family”, next to her husband Michele Placido, and Flora in the comedy film “Intimate Relations”. She then went on hiatus from acting due to her marriage and birth of her daughter, returning in 1981 to play young Donato’s wife in Francesco Rosi’s drama film “Three Brothers”, and featured as Rita Alemani in the drama film “The Hawk And The Dove”. Two years later, she was cast as Assuntina in the crime TV miniseries “Quer Pasticciaccio Brutto De Via Merulana”, and the same year had the part of widow Nereus in the fantasy drama film “Art Of Love”.
It was followed by her portrayals of Maria Romano in the anthology comedy film “Grandi Magazzini” (1986), and Stefania in the mystery-comedy TV series “Non Basta Una Vita” (1988-1989). Her last appearance was in her husband’s 1992 romantic drama film “Close Friends”, in which she portrayed Giuliana, so ending her acting career.
Career as a Fashion Designer
Since she left the film industry, Simonetta Stefanelli has made a name for herself as an entrepreneur and fashion designer of handbags and shoes; she’s the owner of the fashion store called Simo Bloom in Rome.
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Appearance and Vital Statistics
Simonetta Stefanelli has long dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. She stands at a height of 5ft 6ins (1.68m), weighs around 123lbs (56kgs), with vital statistics of 33-24-33, bra size 34A, dress size 4 (US), and shoe size 8 (US).
Personal Life
Simonetta Stefanelli was married to the famous Italian actor and director Michele Placido, with whom she appeared in numerous film titles. They tied the knot at a ceremony held on 25 May 1989, and welcomed three children together, a daughter Violante on 1 May 1976, a son named Michelangelo in 1990, while their third son, named Brenno Placido, was born on 23 August 1991.
Three years later, the two parted ways and divorced. Following their split, she briefly lived with their children in London, England but later returned to Rome, Italy; there’s no news of further relationships.
Their daughter Violante is also an actress and singer, known for her work on “Soul Mate” (2002), “Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance” (2011), and “The Transporter” (2014). Their sons Michelangelo and Brenno are involved in the film industry as well – Michelangelo is a director and producer, while Brenno is also an actor, famous for his work on “Tutti Pazzi Per Amore” (2008-2012).
