**Maria Michi (1921-1980)** was an emblematic Italian actress of Neorealist cinema. She became famous for her intense portrayal of the prostitute Pina in Roberto Rossellini's *Rome, Open City* (1945), a role that made her an iconic face of resistance and suffering in post-war Italy.

She also worked with Rossellini on *Paisan* (1946), further solidifying her image as a woman marked by historical events. Her style, characterized by naturalism, allowed her to portray female characters who were often fragile yet resilient, embodying the hardships of the post-war period.

Although primarily associated with Neorealism, her career included collaborations with other great directors such as Luchino Visconti (*Rocco and His Brothers*, 1960) and Federico Fellini (*Juliet of the Spirits*, 1965). Michi remains a key figure in post-war Italian cinema.