The new ‘It’ girl taking Hollywood by storm is Italian talent, Matilda De Angelis. Gaining ground through her representation of Elena Alves in David E. Kelley’s The Undoing, Angelis holds quite an impressive record. The budding musician turned actress has to her credit projects like Matteo Rovere’s Veloce come il vento (her debut film), Una Famiglia, Youtopia, Italian comedy Una Vita Spericolata and Netflix’s Rose Island.
Physical Appearance
The elegant actress has captivating blue eyes that are often the contributing factors to the allure that inspires her casting into roles of mystery. She’s 5’6” with a slender frame and deep brown hair that frames her face.
Biography & Early Life
Now 26 years old and counting, Angelis was born on the 11th of September, 1995 in Italy. Growing up in Bologna, among farms and the simple life, she knew she wanted to make something of her life. Having chosen the musical route early on, she went on to become part of a band, touring and performing before being roped in for Italian Race.
Family
Born to graphic designer Lorezo de Angelis, and insurer Tania Troilo, Angelis is sister to Tobia De Angelis. Tobia is also a person of many talents. He’s dabbled in music, writing short stories and also tried his hand at acting with his role as Denis. In Tutto Puo Succedere he played the role of Matilda’s reel avatar’s brother on TV. Angelis shares a close bond with her family.
Personal Life/ Relationships
Romantic relationships in Matilda’s life bring two forth two names. The Italian actor Andrea Arcangeli and Angelis dated each other for three years (2017-20) before parting ways. They were seen sharing the screen in the short drama Rumori. They were also captured at the 74th Venice Film Festival, very much in love.
She’s currently with Nayt, the Italian rapper whose real name is William Mezzonotte. They met in Venice while on the sets of Robbing Mussolini.
Struggles
Opening up about her struggles and connecting with numerous girls all over, Matilda has shared her history with eating disorders and acne. Working on self acceptance and exploring her body as a tool of expression has often been what her Instagram activity promotes. Her experience with nudity in The Undoing has been especially talked about and she notes in an interview the liberation that arises with using nudity as a tool.
Career
An expert on the pianoforte and a lover of music from a young age, Angelis loved Radiohead, David Bowie and Tori Amos. Her love for guitars and musical talent got her picked up by Rumba de Bodas, a group consisting of 7 young musicians who took her into the fold. Soon they toured and recorded Karnaval Fou. Even through her cinematic journey, she kept her music alive by penning and performing “Seventeen” in her debut film.
Cinema
The young actress landed her first role purely on her allure and a fortunate dialect requirement that she fulfilled. The reel world found her when she wasn’t even looking or training for it. It was the satisfaction the work gave her that pushed her into the fierce determination to make it in cinema.
TV featured her first as the fresh faced rebel, Ambra Scalvino in Tutto Puo Succedere. Her first movie, in 2016, Veloce come il vento had her playing the courageous Giulia De Martino, racing illegally, not to mention dangerously to pay off debts. Proving her mettle so, in 2017, she went on to play Stella in Una Famiglia. It is the story of a girl whose hapless life takes a turn when a father figure introduces her to the world of surrogacy for wealthy couples.
Youtopia of 2018 was a refreshing tale of Matilde, the young girl bidding her virginity in the online space. She swiftly moved on with great acting ability to the Italian comedy, Una Vita Spericolata or Reckless later that very year.
Her journey in the digital space was marked by her role as Gabriella in Rose Island, Netflix. The film is an adaptation of Georgio Rosa’s life. Next is her portrayal of Caterina de Cremona in the 2021 period drama, Leonardo.
The 2020 American series is probably her claim to international fame. Starring alongside the likes of Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, Angelis breathed life into the mysterious and provocative Elena Alves. Her casting was a result of the magnetism and acting prowess she showcased in her regional works. The nudity in the series placed her in the limelight. Angelis has owned the bold choice and called it “liberating” to use the supposed boldness as a tool of cinematic expression.
Future Projects
Future ventures include Across the River and Into the Trees, along with Tourists and Atlas. Co-hosting the Sanremo Festival 2021 is also on the cards.
Accolades
- David di Donatello nomination for Best Original Song (“Seventeen”)
- David di Donatello nomination for Best Actress (Italian Race)
- David di Donatello nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Rose Island)
- Best Supporting Actress, Kineo Award (2018) [Il Premio, 2017]
- Best Emerging Actress, Aphrodite Award (2018) [Youtopia]
- Best Revelation Actress Award, Taormina Film Festival (2016) [Veloce come il vento]
- Shooting Star honour, Berlin International Film Festival, 2018
Facts
- If not an actress, Angelis wanted to study languages, and be a translator. She mentioned in a Harper’s Bazaar interview.
- Angelis speaks English, Italian and French.
- Featured in Tutto qui accade, a music video by Italian pop band Negramaro.
- Featured in Felicita puttana, a music video of Italian indie-pop band, Thegiornalisti’s song.
- The voice of Tia Victoria in Disney Pixar’s 2017 blockbuster, Coco.
