Reggio Calabria – Nadia Cassini, stage name of Gianna Lou Müller, an actress and showgirl who became a symbol of Italian sexy comedy, passed away at the age of 76.
Having been ill for some time, Cassini ended her days in Reggio Calabria, leaving a void in the world of cinema and entertainment.
Born in Germany, Nadia Cassini conquered the Italian public in the early 1970s, becoming one of the undisputed protagonists of the comic-erotic genre. Her notable film debut was with “Il dio serpente”, a film that, thanks to her charm and statuesque physique, quickly became a cult.
Her career was studded with memorable roles, often linked to seductive and unscrupulous female figures: from nurse to doctor, from teacher to social worker, Nadia Cassini made entire generations dream.
Among the most famous titles in which she starred are “The Teacher Dances… with the Whole Class”, “The Nurse in the Military Ward”, “The Doctor Is with the Colonel” and “Let's Undress Like This, Without Shame…”. The last film in which she took part was “Young, Beautiful, Probably Rich”, alongside Carmen Russo.
Cassini's private life was equally eventful. Having arrived in Italy with her first husband, Igor Cassini Loiewski, brother of the designer Oleg, after their divorce she moved first to Greece and then to London with the actor Yorgo Voyagis, with whom she had her daughter Cassandra. Her second divorce brought her back to Italy, where she resumed her film career, alongside colleagues of the caliber of Lino Banfi, Enzo Cannavale and Alvaro Vitali.
Despite her success on the big screen, her presence on television was more limited, mainly due to language difficulties. However, she participated in popular programs such as “Premiatissima”, “Drive In” and “Risatissima”.
Her career came to a screeching halt following botched plastic surgery, which left her disfigured and sent her into a spiral of alcohol and drug abuse. She managed to get clean, but never returned to the scene.
Among her most talked about loves, her youthful relationship with the Belgian writer Georges Simenon, creator of the famous Inspector Maigret, stands out, despite the 46 year age difference.
Nadia Cassini leaves a legacy of glamour, laughter and an unforgettable presence on screen, which marked an era of Italian cinema. Her passing closes a chapter in the history of entertainment, but her myth will live on in the memory of her fans.
Article published on March 19, 2025 - 17pm
