Emma Danieli (October 14, 1936 – June 21, 1998), born Emma Fretta, was a graceful and versatile figure in Italian media, known for her transition from the silver screen to becoming one of the pioneering faces of Italian television. Born in Curtatone, she entered the entertainment world as a young commercial actress before a beauty contest win paved the way for her film debut in the 1953 anthology We, the Women (Siamo donne).
While her film career lasted just over a decade, Danieli made a significant impact in the adventure and “sword-and-sandal” genres. She appeared in historical dramas and action features such as The Corsican Brothers (1961), The Devil’s Cavaliers (1959), and Guns of the Black Witch (1961). To international horror and sci-fi fans, she is most recognizable for her role in the 1964 cult classic The Last Man on Earth. In this of Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel adaptation of I Am Legend, she played Virginia Morgan, the wife of Vincent Price’s character, appearing in the film’s poignant and tragic flashback sequences.
Danieli’s most enduring legacy, however, was on the small screen. She was among the very first announcers (signorine buonasera) in the early days of Italian television, where her poise and charm made her a household name. She successfully expanded her TV career into hosting programs and acting in numerous television films and series, while also maintaining a presence on the theatrical stage.
Married to director Franco Morabito, Danieli eventually stepped away from the spotlight in the 1970s. She passed away in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1998 at the age of 61. She is remembered today as a multitalented performer who helped define the elegant aesthetic of early European television.
