Anna Kanakis
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Marco Merati Foscarini (2004–2023)
Anna Kanakis | |
|---|---|
 Kanakis in 'O Re (1989) | |
| Born | Anna Maria Kanakis 1 February 1962[1] Messina, Italy |
| Died | 19 November 2023 (aged 61) Rome, Italy |
| Height | 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) |
| Spouse(s) | Claudio Simonetti (1981–?) Marco Merati Foscarini (2004–2023) |
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
| Title | Miss Italia 1977 |
| Major competition(s) | Miss Italia 1977 (Winner) Miss World 1977 Miss Universe 1981 Miss Europe 1981 (2nd Runner-Up) |
Anna Kanakis (Greek: Άννα Κανάκη; 1 February 1962 – 19 November 2023) was an Italian actress, novelist, model and beauty pageant titleholder.
Born in Messina from a Greek father from Crete and a Sicilian mother, in 1977 Kanakis was Miss Italy at 15 years old, being the younger winner at the time.[1][2] In 1981, she entered the Miss Universe competition.[2] Kanakis worked in cinema as early as 1980, being mainly active in comedy films.[2] In later years, her career transitioned to television, where she had leading roles in series and TV-movies.[2][3]
Starting from You're So Mine When You Sleep, a 2010 novel about George Sand's life, Kanakis specialized in historical novels.[1][2] Her last work was Don't judge me ("Non giudicarmi"), a novel about the life events of Jacques d'Adelswärd-Fersen.[2][3]
Kanakis also had a brief political experience as national leader of Culture and Entertainment in the Democratic Union for the Republic.[1][2]
Personal life and death
In 1981, Kanakis married the composer Claudio Simonetti, but their marriage only lasted a few years.[2] From 2004, she was married to Marco Merati Foscarini, a descendant of Marco Foscarini, one of the last Doges of Venice.[2] Kanakis had no children.[1] She died of lymphoma on 19 November 2023, aged 61.[3][4]
