Actress and Producer Zeudi Araya Dies at 75

Zeudi Araya, an actress and producer celebrated for her legendary beauty and elegance in Italian cinema, has died at 75. Her son, Michelangelo Spano, announced her passing on May 24th, stating she died at home following a prolonged illness. The family has requested privacy during their time of grief.

Born in Decamerè, Eritrea, on February 10, 1951, Araya was the daughter of a politician and granddaughter of a diplomat. She was crowned Miss Eritrea at 18, shortly after completing her studies. A trip to Rome for a coffee commercial, leveraging her exotic appearance, opened the doors to her film career.

She became a prominent figure in the popular erotic films of the early 1970s, starring in Luigi Scattini's "La ragazza dalle pelle di luna" and many of his subsequent films. Araya also appeared in notable films such as "Il signor Robinson," "Giallo napoletano" with Marcello Mastroianni, and "Tesoromio." After marrying producer Franco Cristaldi in 1983, she shifted her focus to film production following his death nine years later.

Araya maintained a private life, making infrequent public appearances. She was also a producer for film and television and had a long-term partner, director Massimo Spano, with whom she had a son, Michelangelo.

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In this moment of great sadness, the family wishes to express its gratitude to all those who have been close to them with affection and discretion. The funeral will take place in the coming days in strictly private form. The family thanks for the understanding and asks that their privacy be respected in this moment of mourning.