Italian comedian Anna Marchesini dies at 62

Anna Marchesini, a leading figure of Italian comedy, died on 30 July 2016 at the age of 62 after a battle with a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis. Born in Orvieto in 1953, she studied at the Accademia Nazionale d'Arte Drammatica and began her career as a voice‑over artist for Japanese cartoons.

In 1982 she formed the celebrated comedy trio with Tullio Solenghi and Massimo Lopez. The trio achieved nationwide fame on programmes such as "Il tastomatto" and "Fantastico 7", and their parody of "I promessi sposi" became a cultural landmark. After the trio split in 1994, Marchesini pursued a solo career, staging solo theatrical shows, publishing the book "Che siccome che sono cecata" (2000), and continuing work as a voice actor.

Her legacy is remembered for an intelligent, observational humor that avoided vulgarity, influencing a generation of Italian performers.