Zeudi Araya is an Eritrean-Italian former actress, singer, beauty queen, model, and film producer. She was the wife of the late Italian film producer Franco Cristaldi. Zeudi’s ex-husband Franco was credited with producing or co-producing feature films from the 1950s to the 1990s. He was known for his romantic association with Italian actress Claudia Cardinale.

Zeudi Araya: Bio Summary

How Old Is Zeudi Araya?

Zeudi Araya was welcomed into the world on the 10th of February 1951, in Dekemhare, Eritrea. According to her date of birth, she is 72 years old as of 2023. She was born to a father who was a politician. Her uncle was a diplomat in Rome. Zeudi may have brothers and sisters but they are not in the spotlight which is why much is unknown about them.

Zeudi Araya comes from a political family but she hasn’t provided many details regarding her early life and relatives. She is said to have spent her earlier teenage years learning to become a surveyor. She participated in a beauty pageant and was crowned “Miss Ethiopia”, in the year 1969. She won a trip to Rome. Zeudi said in an interview that it was “a dream of mine” to come to Italy.

“Also because I was studying in an Italian school and therefore I had studied enough about Italy and it was a nice meeting,” Zeudi added. In 1972, while she was on a journey to Italy, she recorded a commercial for coffee. She was discovered by Italian film director and screenwriter Luigi Scattini.

Zeudi Araya Has Worked As An Entertainer And Producer

Zeudi Araya was an actress, singer, model, and film producer. Director Luigi Scattini cast her alongside actress Beba Lončar in her film debut, La ragazza dalla pelle di luna, shot in the Seychelles. She portrayed the role of Simoa. Following her film debut, she appeared in several other films. According to her IMDb page, she has been credited for her work in 10 films.

Zeudi Araya appeared as Maryam in “La ragazza fuoristrada”, Princess in “The Body”, Laggaina in “La preda”, Debra in “La peccatrice”, Venerdi’ in “Il signor Robinson, mostruosa storia d’amore e d’avventure”, Elizabeth Hover in “Atrocious Tales of Love and Death”, Tesoro Hoaua in “Tesoromio”, Marfisa in “Hearts and Armour”, and Sheba in “Control”.

ALSO, READ: Franco Cristaldi: What happened to Claudia Cardinale’s ex-husband?

Zeudi Araya withdrew from acting and began producing films. As a producer, she is known for contributing to two films. She has served as a producer for the films “Marching in Darkness” and “Franco Cristaldi e il suo cinema Paradiso”. She appeared as herself on Maurizio Costanzo Show. As a model, Zeudi appeared in the Italian version of Playboy magazine in March 1974.

In 1973, songs composed by Piero Umiliani she sang in the score of another Scattini film where she played the lead role (La ragazza fuoristrada) were released on a 45 rpm record.

Zeudi Araya Married Producer Franco Cristaldi

Zeudi Araya was married to Italian film producer Franco Cristaldi (3 October 1924 – 1 July 1992). She and Franco got married on March 26, 1984, in a ceremony that was attended by their loved ones. The two remained married until Franco passed away in 1992. Before Zeudi and Franco got married, Franco was first married to Carla Simonetti with whom he had a son, Massimo Cristaldi.

Franco and Carla’s marriage was annulled. Franco was involved in a relationship with Italian actress Claudia Cardinale. While Franco claimed to have married Claudia, Claudia made it known that she and Franco had a marriage party but they were never officially married. After Franco passed away, his wife Zeudi became a widow.

Zeudi later began a relationship with director Massimo Spano. She and Massimo have been living together since 1994. They have a son called Michelangelo Spano. Zeudi and Massimo have kept their relationship away from the spotlight. They are believed to still be together as there hasn’t been any news that inform us otherwise.

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