Isa Barzizza

Isa Barzizza (born 22 November 1929) is an Italian stage, film and television actress. She has appeared in 46 films since 1947.

Early life

Born in Sanremo, Barzizza is the daughter of the conductor and composer Pippo Barzizza.She started working in amateur dramatics at very young age, and she made her professional debut while still being a high school student, notably working with the stage companies led by Ruggero Ruggeri, Elsa Merlini and by the brothers Eduardo, Peppino and Titina De Filippo.

Breakout and success

Barzizza had her breakout in 1946, when during a visit to her father she was noted by Erminio Macario who chose her for the revue Follie d'Amleto. In a few years she established herself as a star in the revue genre, working several times with Macario, Totò and Wanda Osiris. Following her stage success, Barzizza also started a busy film career in the comedic genre, often teaming with Totò. In 1955, she starred in Valentina, which is considered the first genuine stage musical comedy produced in Italy.

Marriage and semi-retirement

In 1953 Barzizza married the screenwriter and director Carlo Alberto Chiesa, and following the birth of their daughter Carlotta she retired from showbusiness. In 1960 the couple were involved in a caraccident and Chiesa died shortly later under the knife. Widowed, Barzizza run a company of dubbing and production of television series. Starting from the mid-1970s she made sporadic appearances in films and on television.