Biographie
Barbara Magnolfi was born in France to an Italian father and a French mother but grew up in Rome, where she began classical dance at a young age. Starting ballet at four, she quickly rose to become a lead ballerina as a child. Her entry into cinema came early and unexpectedly when, at thirteen, director Antonio Pietrangeli discovered her and immediately cast her in Come, Quando, Perché. This marked the start of a natural and inevitable journey in front of the camera. During the 1970s, after working as a high-fashion model for prestigious ateliers and major advertising campaigns, Italian cinema embraced her unique presence. She debuted on screen in Sergio Martino’s The Suspicious Death of a Minor, followed by significant roles in La Madama and Ready for Anything. International audiences most vividly remember her from Dario Argento’s 1977 film Suspiria, where she played the unforgettable Olga—sensual, witty, and eerie. Her captivating performance left a strong impression on Argento, who affectionately called her "my little witch." Now hailed as one of the greatest horror films ever made, Suspiria cemented her legacy within the genre. She continued to take on complex, emotionally rich parts, including roles in Difficile Morire, filmed at Cinecittà, and The Sister of Ursula, where her lauded performance stood out despite the film’s troubled production history. Barbara’s career moved fluidly between cinema and television, accompanied by meaningful personal milestones, including active civic engagement during the 1980s through anti-drug awareness campaigns. From the 1990s onward, her work expanded internationally, covering Australia and the United States. In Los Angeles, new generations rediscovered her, especially through her iconic role in Suspiria. In recent years, she has maintained a dual role as actress and producer, participating in films, TV series, and independent projects. Today, Barbara Magnolfi is celebrated as a cult icon of European and genre cinema—an artist who continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Between film shoots, international festivals, and writing her autobiography, her passion for acting remains strong. Like all true performers, she keeps her sights firmly set on the future.
