Gabriella Licudi

Gabriella Licudi (14 September 1941 - 18 September 2022) was a talented British actress, originally hailing from Morocco. Born in Casablanca to a Greek naval engineer, Gabriella moved to England at the age of fifteen after receiving her education in England, France, and Spain. Initially aspiring to pursue a career in teaching elocution, she attended the Central School of Speech and Drama, where her talent was recognized by an agent during a class performance in 1961.

Licudi's theatrical journey began with her debut in John Mortimer's play *Two Stars for Comfort*, where she starred alongside Trevor Howard in a successful nine-month run in London's West End. Her film career took off when renowned producer Samuel Bronston cast her in a minor role in *The Fall of the Roman Empire* (1964).

Throughout her career, Licudi showcased her versatility in various roles, including a widowed expatriate in the *Danger Man* episode "English Lady Takes Lodgers" (1965), and appearances in the comedic take on James Bond, *Casino Royale* (1967), as well as in *The Last Safari* (1967) directed by Henry Hathaway. Her prominent role in Don Levy’s experimental film *Herostratus* (1967) further cemented her place in cinema.

In the early 1970s, Gabriella stepped back from acting and, alongside her South African husband, operated a safari lodge. Later, she returned to London to establish her own production company, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit beyond her acting career.