Eleonora Duse - Early life, acting career

Actress, born near Venice, NE Italy. The daughter of strolling players, she rose to fame in Italy, then triumphed throughout the European capitals (1892–3), mainly acting in plays by contemporary French playwrights, Ibsen, and the works of her lover, Gabriele d'Annunzio. Her histrionic genius ranks ‘The Duse’ as one of the world's greatest actresses. She retired through ill health in 1909, but returned to the stage in 1921, and died during a US tour. She was noted for the beauty and expressiveness of her gestures, her lithe grace, and the intensity of her emotional playing.

Eleonora Duse (October 3, 1858–April 21, 1924), was an Italian actress, often known simply as Duse.

Early life, acting career

She was born in Vigevano and entered acting (her family's profession) as a child.

In 1879, while in Naples, she met journalist Mattino Cafiero, and became involved in a fast paced love affair with him. By 1885, the couple had one daughter, but divorced following her becoming involved in an affair with another actor named Flavio Ando.

By this time, her career was in full swing and her popularity began to climb. In 1895 she met d'Annunzio, and the two became involved romantically while collaborating professionally. When d'Annunzio gave the lead in the play La Città morta to Bernhardt instead of Duse, there was a furious fight, and Duse ended the affair with d'Annunzio.

She became well known and respected for her assistance of young actors and actresses during her career.

On July 30, 1923, she became the first woman ever to be featured on the cover of Time magazine.

She died at the age of 65 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania while on tour in the United States.