Franca Maria Norsa was born on 31 July 1920 in Milan. Later she adopted her stage name Valeri, becoming one of the most famous actresses in Italy.
Cinema historian and writer Francesco Crispino recalls her long career, which started in theatre and radio after a difficult beginning.
Franca Valeri was part-Jewish, and due to Italy's racial laws (promulgated in 1938) was subject to discrimination as a young woman.
Later she would become a renown cinema and TV actress and personality.
Listen to SBS Italian every day from 8am to 10am. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share
