Violante Placido

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

• 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

• David di Donatello Award
  Nomination for Best Actress
• Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists
  Multiple nominations and awards for her performances in Italian cinema
• Venice Film Festival Recognition
  Special 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.