Bella Cortez

Bella Cortez, originally known as Alicia Paneque, was discovered by an Italian film producer during a visit to Cuba, which led her to relocate to Italy and embark on a remarkable acting career. Her cinematic journey began with the release of *The Seven Revenges* in 1961, directed by Primo Zeglio. That same year, she gained further recognition in *The Tartars*, where she portrayed the niece of Orson Welles's character, creating an alluring on-screen romance with Luciano Marin.

Cortez's talent continued to shine in *The Giant of Metropolis*, another 1961 release, where she starred alongside Gordon Mitchell under the direction of Umberto Scarpelli. Their partnership extended to two additional films: *Vulcan Son of Jupiter* (1962) and *Ali Baba and the Seven Saracens* (1964), showcasing her versatility as she embodied characters ranging from a Greco-Roman goddess to an Arabian princess.

Her impressive filmography also includes the epic drama *Taur, The Mighty* (1963), directed by Antonio Leonviola, and *Ali Baba and the Sacred Crown*, where she took on the female lead, earning praise in the book *Italian Sword and Sandal Films, 1908-1990* for being a "major asset to the production." In addition to her film career, Cortez participated in print modeling for automobile brands and was featured on numerous European magazine covers. After her marriage, she chose to step away from the film industry, leaving behind a legacy of diverse roles and significant contributions to cinema.