Erminia Manfredi Dies in Rome at 94

Erminia Manfredi, known affectionately as "Minia," passed away in Rome at the age of 94, just two days shy of her ninety-fifth birthday. Her death on Monday, November 2, 2026, was announced by her son, Luca Manfredi, through a heartfelt message shared on social media.

Born Erminia Ferrari in Taormina on November 4, 1931, she spent her childhood traveling between Libya and Ethiopia before relocating to Rome in 1950. In the capital, she began her professional journey as a model working for the fashion house of Roberto Capucci.

In 1955, she married the renowned Italian comedy actor Nino Manfredi. Their marriage spanned nearly five decades, during which she remained a constant and discreet pillar of support for him both in private life and behind the scenes until his passing in 2004 following a prolonged hospital stay. Together, they raised three children: Roberta, Luca, and Giovanna.

After taking a temporary break from the fashion world to raise her children, Erminia carved out a successful behind-the-scenes career in the cinematic arts as a costume designer and set decorator. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she designed wardrobes for several prominent film productions, including Il giocattolo, Café Express, Nudo di donna, and Spaghetti House.

Following the death of her husband, she channeled her energy into civic engagement and advocacy. She served as the honorary president of the Viva la Vita association, where she actively promoted awareness and support campaigns to assist individuals suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative conditions.

In addition to her charitable work, she dedicated herself to preserving her husband's artistic legacy. She collaborated on tribute exhibitions and provided vital insights and personal memories for the biographical film In arte Nino, directed by her son Luca, in which actress Miriam Leone portrayed her likeness on screen.

Announcing her passing to the public, her son Luca wrote on social media: "Goodbye great 'Minia,' extraordinary wife, mother, and woman. You will always be in our heart."