The Italian actor Sandra Milo, a renowned figure in Italy’s film industry known for her performance in Federico Fellini’s 8½, has died aged 90.

Milo died in her sleep at her residence in Rome surrounded by her family and her dogs, Jim and Lady, according to a statement from the family carried by state-run RAI television.

“Ciao, Diva!” the Venice Biennale posted on social media.

Fondly remembered as a versatile actor in both comedy and drama and noted for her distinctive high-pitched voice, in 2021 she was honoured with the career achievement David di Donatello award at Italy’s version of the Oscars.

Milo, born Elena Salvatrice Greco in Tunis, rose to prominence under the guidance of the director Antonio Pietrangeli. Her talent attracted the attention of other acclaimed film-makers such as Roberto Rossellini, Gabriele Salvatores, Gabriele Muccino, Pupi Avati, Jean Renoir and Claude Sautet.

She collaborated with some of the greatest names in Italy’s postwar film industry, including Alberto Sordi and Marcello Mastroianni. In the Oscar-winning 8½, Milo portrayed Carla, the mistress to Mastroianni’s character, the film director Guido.

Fellini later cast her alongside his wife in the 1965 film Juliet of the Spirits. Two decades later, Milo recounted their 17-year secret love affair in her autobiographical book Caro Federico. Milo was often described as Fellini’s muse.

Milo’s career extended beyond the silver screen as she became a prominent figure on Italian television as a talkshow host.

In 1990, while hosting a show on RAI, Milo received a call from a prankster claiming that her son Ciro had been involved in a serious car accident and was in hospital. Distraught, Milo hastily left the studio. Only later did she discover that her son was safe.

Milo is survived by Ciro and two other children.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.