ROME - Italian actress Laura Antonelli was found dead on Monday at her home near Rome. She was 73. Antonelli’s cleaner found the actress’s body in her modest apartment northwest of the Italian capital, with authorities ruling that the cause of death was a heart attack, according to the Italian press.



“It is with profound sadness that I have learned of the death of Laura Antonelli. Laura was for me above all an adorable companion, who was exceptionally charming,” said French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, a leading name in the French New Wave movement.



“She was also an amazing partner, appreciated by everyone on set. I only want to keep these marvellous memories of her,” he said.



Born on November 28, 1941, Antonelli was best known for her role in the Italian 1973 film “Malizia” (Malicious), which garnered unexpected success at the box office. During her career she worked with big names in Italian cinema such as Luchino Visconti, Dino Risi, Ettore Scola and Luigi Comencini. - AFP