Margaret Lee, born in Wolverhampton, England, in 1943, began her artistic journey at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, aiming for a career on stage. Early on, she almost landed the role of Tatiana Romanova in From Russia with Love, a near-miss that caught the attention of casting directors and ultimately brought her to Italy. There, she made her film debut in 1962 and quickly became one of the most recognizable English actresses in Italian cinema. With her platinum-blonde beauty and charm, she drew frequent comparisons to Marilyn Monroe, capturing the imagination of audiences across Europe.

Lee quickly established herself as a versatile and bankable star, becoming a favorite among Italian directors. She gained fame in lighthearted comedies, often sharing the screen with the comic duo Franco and Ciccio, and later became a prominent figure in the Eurospy genre. Films like Our Man in Marrakesh (1966) and Five Golden Dragons (1967) highlighted her elegance, wit, and sophistication, making her a perfect fit for the glamorous, suspense-filled espionage thrillers of the era.

As the 1960s progressed, Lee explored darker and more daring roles, embracing the Italian giallo genre, which blended mystery, horror, and eroticism. In movies such as The Bloody Judge (1970) and Slaughter Hotel (1971), she demonstrated a more intense, mature side, taking on complex and challenging characters. Her transition reflected both her artistic growth and the evolving tastes of European cinema. However, by the early 1970s, the popularity of the genres that had made her famous began to decline, and her on-screen appearances gradually became less frequent.

Lee’s final Italian film roles came in the early 1980s, including Sesso e volentieri (1982) and Neapolitan Sting (1983). After retiring from film, she relocated to Northern California, returning to her theatrical roots by studying method acting and participating in local theater productions. Though she had always hoped for more serious dramatic parts, she later acknowledged that her iconic image as a glamorous blonde in Italian cinema had been instrumental in defining her career and international appeal.

Margaret Lee passed away on April 24, 2024, at the age of 80 in South West England. She leaves behind a legacy as one of the most versatile and captivating actresses of 1960s Italian cinema. From her early adventure and spy films to the suspenseful world of giallo, Lee’s elegance, energy, and timeless allure continue to inspire fans of vintage European film and celebrate a unique era in international cinema.