Aria Maria Vittoria Rossa Argento, professionally known as Asia Argento, emerged as a multifaceted figure in Italian cinema, beginning her screen career at age nine. Born in Rome in 1975, the daughter of filmmaker Dario Argento and actress Daria Nicolodi, she navigated a path through acting, directing, screenwriting, and music that spans several decades and multiple international industries.
Early Career and Recognition
Argento received her first major recognition in 1994, winning the David di Donatello for Best Actress for her performance in Perdiamoci di vista, an accolade she secured again in 1997. Her early filmography includes roles in Queen Margot and Traveling Companion, the latter earning her a Grolla d'oro award. By the late 1990s, she began expanding her presence into French and English-language productions, appearing in films such as B. Monkey and New Rose Hotel.
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Beyond performing, Argento developed a career behind the camera. She directed short films and documentaries before completing her first feature, Scarlet Diva, in 2000. She followed this with The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things in 2004, and later Misunderstood in 2014, which competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. She has also authored written works, including the 1999 novel I Love You Kirk.
International Projects and Music
Her international profile rose significantly with the 2002 Hollywood action film XXX, where she portrayed Yelena. Her professional interests extend to music, including collaborations with the band Hondo Maclean and the project Femina with the Legendary Tiger Man. In 2013, she released her debut album, Total Entropy. Her voice work includes dubbing the character Faith Connors for the Italian version of the video game Mirror's Edge.
Public Activism and Life Transitions
In 2017, Argento became a prominent voice following the Weinstein scandal, participating in the #MeToo movement. This period involved public scrutiny regarding her own history, including allegations brought by Jimmy Bennett in 2018. During this time, she relocated from Italy to Germany, noting the impact of victim-blaming culture. She has previously expressed regret for her 2009 support of a petition regarding Roman Polanski.
Fast facts
- Born: 1975, Rome
- Citizenship: Italy
- Notable work: Bits and Pieces
- Languages: Italian, French, English
- Primary occupations: Actor, screenwriter, director
- Awards: David di Donatello for Best Actress (1994, 1997)
- Additional award: Grolla d'oro for Best Leading Actress (1996)
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of her stage name?
Although born Aria Maria Vittoria Rossa Argento, the Rome city registry office refused to register 'Asia', leading her parents to use 'Aria' legally while she adopted Asia as her professional name.
Which languages does she work in?
She is fluent in Italian, French, and English, having acted in films using all three languages.
Achievements
- Worked as film director, actor and disc jockey
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