In April we reported on the death, at the age of 87, of the much-loved actor, comedian and television presenter Raimondo Vianello. Since that day, on the few occasions when his widow, the actress Sandra Mondaini, appeared in public, her grief was palpable and heart-breaking to see.
Now Sandra, too, has died, just five months after her husband: Having suffered from ill health for many years, Sandra Mondaini died in a Milan hospital on Tuesday.
Born in 1931 in Milan, Sandra Mondaini had a long career in film but was best known for the TV shows she presented and starred in with her husband, whom she married in 1962. Of these the best loved was “Casa Vianello”, a situation comedy in which the couple played themselves. With its portrayal of the high and low points of a long marriage, gentle irony and catch phrase , “Che noia, che barba” [“What a bore, what a bore”] the show won the hearts of its Italian audience and ran from 1988 – 2008.
Sandra Mondaini was also much loved for her portrayal of the clown, Sbirulino, and in this role she delighted children and adults alike. At today’s funeral in Milan someone had placed a Sbirulino doll on the altar.
In the following video: Sandra Mondaini acting as "Sbirulino":
Sandra Mondaini and Raimondo Vianello had no children but adopted two Philippine boys.
Sandra Mondaini, 1.9.31 – 21.9.10.
