Lea Padovani (Montalto di Castro, July 28, 1923 – Rome, June 19, 1991) was a highly versatile Italian actress, active in film, theater, and television. Her career took off in the post-war period, as she initially distinguished herself on stage under the direction of prominent directors such as Luchino Visconti and Giorgio Strehler. In cinema, she became known for her intense dramatic performances, earning the Nastro d'Argento for Best Supporting Actress for *Il sole sorge ancora* (1946) by Aldo Vergano. She worked with major filmmakers such as Alessandro Blasetti and Giuseppe De Santis (*Roma ore 11*), demonstrating a remarkable ability to transition from popular roles, like that of Violante in *Pane, amore e...* (1955), to international productions, including *Dossier M. 15* (1955) by Orson Welles. From the 1960s, she also became a familiar face on the small screen, starring in famous television dramas. Her acting, characterized by elegance, restraint, and a profound sensitivity, made her one of the most esteemed figures of the 20th-century Italian artistic scene.