Teresa Ann Savoy, FRSA, a British actress of note, left an indelible mark on the Italian film industry with her diverse and captivating performances. Born on July 18, 1955, Savoy's journey in the world of cinema began at a tender age of 18 when she appeared in the Italian adult magazine Playmen, using the alias "Terry".
At 16, Savoy had fled her home to join a hippie community in Sicily, where she soon became the subject of media attention. Her early years were marked by a sense of rebellion and nonconformity, which would later influence her choice of roles and the characters she portrayed on screen.
Savoy's professional acting career took off in 1974 when film director Alberto Lattuada, who had previously discovered the talents of Federico Fellini and Silvana Mangano, gave her her first role in the film Le farò da padre, aka La bambina. In this film, Savoy played the role of Clotilde, an intellectually disabled girl, showcasing her versatility and range as an actress.
The following year, Savoy worked with Hungarian director Miklós Jancsó on the film Private Vices, Public Pleasures, a historical drama that told the story of Crown Prince Rudolf's rebellion against his father, the Austrian-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph. In this film, Savoy played the role of Baroness Mary Vetsera, Rudolf's lover, who was portrayed as an intersex person in Jancsó's vision.
Savoy's collaboration with Jancsó continued in 1975 with the film Salon Kitty, a successful film that saw her play the role of a young BDM girl who becomes a spy and poses as a prostitute for the SS Nazi paramilitary organization. Her portrayal of this complex and controversial character further cemented her reputation as a talented and fearless actress.
In 1976, Savoy worked with director Tinto Brass on the film Caligula, a controversial and highly publicized film that explored themes of sexuality and power. In this film, Savoy played the role of Drusilla, a character known for her beauty and cunning.
Savoy's extensive filmography also includes the 1977 TV film Sandokan alla riscossa!, a production based on the popular Sandokan novels by Emilio Salgari. In this film, Savoy played the role of Jamilah, a strong and independent character who added depth and complexity to the story.
After a brief hiatus from cinema, Savoy returned to the screen in 1981 with the film La disubbidienza, directed by Aldo Lado. In this film, Savoy played the role of Edith, an attractive Jewish governess, and explored themes of sexuality and rebellion under the reign of the Republic of Salò.
Savoy's final collaboration with Miklós Jancsó was in the 1981 film A zsarnok szíve, avagy Boccaccio Magyarországon, where she played alongside Ninetto Davoli. This film marked a significant chapter in Savoy's career, as it showcased her ability to adapt to different roles and genres.
Teresa Ann Savoy passed away on January 9, 2017, in Milan, where she lived with her husband and two children. Her legacy as a talented and fearless actress continues to inspire and influence new generations of filmmakers and performers.
