Anna Galiena (born 22 December 1954) is an Italian actress, best known to English-speaking audiences for her appearances in Le Mari de la coiffeuse, Jamón jamón, Being Human and Senso '45.

Career

In her youth, Galiena starred in numerous stage plays, including several of Shakespeare's works. She had made over a dozen films, mainly in her native Italy before her role in 1990's Le Mari de la coiffeuse brought her to international attention. She went on to appear in Bigas Luna's Jamón, jamón in 1992. Galiena made her mainstream Hollywood debut in the Bill Forsyth-directed Being Human (1994), starring Robin Williams. The film was, however, a flop. After poor test screenings, Warner Bros. instructed Forsyth to trim 40 minutes from the film, as well as add narration and a happy ending. Forsyth subsequently disowned the film. Since then, Galiena has worked in European cinema, with over 50 films and many television appearances to her credit. She was a member of jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2003. In 2007 she was a member of the jury at the 29th Moscow International Film Festival.

Personal life

Galiena has been married twice, with an American named John and Frenchman Philippe Langlet. She speaks Italian, English, French, and Spanish. In Being Human she speaks Friulian, a Romance language spoken in north-east Italy.

Selected filmography