Franca Bettoia, Star of The Last Man on Earth, Dies at 88

Franca Bettoia, the renowned Italian actress best known for her role opposite Vincent Price in the 1964 cult classic The Last Man on Earth, has passed away in Rome at the age of 88, her family confirmed. Bettoia leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances in both Italian and international cinema.

Franca Bettoia Dies at 83; Italian Actress Was Known for Her Role in ‘The Last Man on Earth’#FrancaBettoia #Hollywood #EntertainmentNews https://t.co/Bov8yMsNOe

— LatestLY (@latestly) September 14, 2024

Bettoia was married to Italian actor Ugo Tognazzi, the star of the 1978 film La Cage aux Folles, from 1972 until his death in 1990. Together, they formed one of Italy’s most notable acting couples. Tognazzi’s role in La Cage aux Folles was later reimagined by Robin Williams in the 1996 adaptation The Birdcage.

In The Last Man on Earth, directed by Ubaldo Ragona and Sidney Salkow, Bettoia portrayed Ruth, a pivotal character in the post-apocalyptic sci-fi film. Her role alongside Vincent Price’s Dr. Robert Morgan made her a notable figure in the genre, as they both battled a plague that had transformed humanity into vampiric creatures. The film, based on Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel I Am Legend, has since gained cult status, with later adaptations including Will Smith’s 2007 version, directed by Francis Lawrence.

Born in Rome on May 14, 1936, Bettoia began her film career in 1955. She gained prominence with her breakout role in Man of Straw (1958), directed by Pietro Germi, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Over the years, Bettoia showcased her versatility across a range of genres, starring with Alan Ladd in Duel of Champions (1961) and working in films like Day by Day, Desperately (1961) and Don’t Touch the White Woman (1974).

Franca Bettoia, Star of ‘The Last Man on Earth,’ Passes Away at 88https://t.co/oYUwHrw1xt

— Bollywood Fever (@bollywoodfever3) September 14, 2024

Her final film appearance came in Teste rasate (1993), where she portrayed the mother of her real-life son, actor Gianmarco Tognazzi. Bettoia is also survived by her daughter, Maria Sole Tognazzi, a director in her own right.

Key Points:

i. Italian actress Franca Bettoia, known for her role in The Last Man on Earth alongside Vincent Price, passed away at age 88 in Rome.

ii. Bettoia was married to prominent Italian actor Ugo Tognazzi from 1972 until his death in 1990.

iii. The Last Man on Earth (1964), based on I Am Legend, became a cult sci-fi classic, with Bettoia playing the pivotal role of Ruth.

iv. Bettoia’s film career began in 1955, and she gained acclaim with her role in Man of Straw (1958) at the Cannes Film Festival.

v. Bettoia’s final film was Teste rasate (1993), in which she starred alongside her son, Gianmarco Tognazzi. She is also survived by her daughter, director Maria Sole Tognazzi.

Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News