Greta Scacchi, born Greta Gracco on February 18, 1960, in Milan, Italy, is an acclaimed Italian-Australian actress known for her work in international cinema. Her father, Luca Scacchi Gracco, was an Italian art dealer and painter, while her mother, Pamela, was an English dancer and antiques dealer. Following her parents' separation, Greta moved with her mother and two older brothers back to England when she was four years old. Initially settling in London, the family later relocated to Haywards Heath in West Sussex.
In 1975, her mother remarried, prompting another move—this time to Australia. Greta continued her education there, attending Hollywood Senior High School in Perth and later enrolling at the University of Western Australia. While in university, she began exploring her interest in acting by participating in student theatre, with one of her first performances being in the play Early Morning. She also held a variety of part-time jobs, including working as an Italian interpreter.
In 1977, at nearly 18 years old, Scacchi returned to England to pursue professional training in acting. She studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, a prestigious institution that has trained many notable performers. Initially, she appeared in commercials and stage productions, gradually building her resume and reputation.
She got her first major break in 1982 when German filmmaker Dominik Graf cast her in a feature film. Scacchi learned German specifically for the role, demonstrating her dedication and multilingual talents. This role marked the beginning of a film career that spanned multiple countries and languages.
Greta Scacchi gained international recognition through films such as Heat and Dust (1983), The Coca-Cola Kid (1985), White Mischief (1987), and Country Life (1994). Notably, she was once considered for the lead role in Basic Instinct but declined the offer. Her ability to perform in varied roles contributed to her appeal across European and English-language cinema.
Fluent in English, Italian, French, and German, Scacchi is a favorite among international filmmakers for her linguistic flexibility and diverse heritage. She has been recognized for her talent with numerous nominations and awards. She won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for her performance in Rasputin: Dark Servant of Destiny, and she received a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for the same role. Additionally, she won the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Looking for Alibrandi in 2000.
| Birth Date: | 18 Feb, 1960 |
| Age: | 60 yrs |
| Occupations: | Actor Stage actor Film actor |
| Citizenship: | Australia Italy |
| Birth Place: | Milan |
| Education: | Bristol Old Vic Theatre School |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | Italian-Australian actress |
| Spouse: | Vincent D'Onofrio[1989-1993] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 4 million |
