Violante Placido
Quick Facts
Early Life
Born Maria Violante Placido on May 1, 1976, in Rome, Italy, she comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Her father, Michele Placido, is a renowned actor and director, while her mother, Simonetta Stefanelli, is also an accomplished actress. Growing up in this artistic environment, Violante was naturally drawn to performing arts from an early age.
Career
Violante made her film debut in 1993, starring alongside her father in "Quattro bravi ragazzi." Her breakthrough came with the role in "L'anima gemella," directed by Sergio Rubini, which established her as a promising talent in Italian cinema. She has since built an impressive career spanning both Italian and international productions.
Her international recognition grew significantly with roles in Hollywood productions, notably appearing alongside George Clooney in the 2010 thriller "The American" and playing Nadya in "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" (2011) with Nicolas Cage. In 2014, she took on the role of Caterina Boldieu in the television series "Transporter: The Series," further expanding her international presence.
Recent Work
In February 2025, Violante starred in Netflix's romantic comedy "La Dolce Villa" alongside Scott Foley and Maia Reficco. Directed by Mark Waters, she plays the role of Francesca in this charming Italian-set film about a successful businessman (Foley) who travels to Italy to stop his daughter from spending her money on restoring an old villa. The film showcases Placido's ability to blend her natural Italian charm with international productions, further cementing her status as a versatile actress who bridges European and American cinema.
Notable Filmography
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2025
La Dolce Villa
Role: Francesca -
2011
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
Role: Nadya -
2010
The American
Role: Clara -
2014
Transporter: The Series
Role: Caterina Boldieu
Music Career
Beyond acting, Violante has pursued a successful career as a singer-songwriter. Her musical style blends contemporary pop with traditional Italian influences, showcasing her versatility as an artist. She has released several singles and performed at various Italian music festivals, demonstrating her talent extends beyond the screen.
Awards and Recognition
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David di Donatello AwardNomination for Best Actress
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Italian National Syndicate of Film JournalistsMultiple nominations and awards for her performances in Italian cinema
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Venice Film Festival RecognitionSpecial mention for her contribution to Italian cinema
Personal Life
Violante has maintained a relatively private personal life despite her family's high profile in the Italian entertainment industry. She has successfully balanced her international acting career with her musical pursuits while remaining true to her Italian roots.