News February 03, 2011
'Last Tango' Star Maria Schneider Dies at 58
Controversial French actress Maria Schneider, best known for her infamous role opposite Marlon Brando in "Last Tango in Paris," died in Paris this morning following a lengthy illness. She was 58.
Schneider, the daughter of an actor and model, she was a virtual unknown before becoming Brando's leading lady in Bernardo Bertolucci's groundbreaking 1972 film. The vivid "butter sex scene" caused quite a controversy in its day, after which Maria decided never to do nude scenes to avoid being typecast as a sex symbol.
The late '70s were a tumultuous decade for the actress as she battled drug addiction, overdoses and a suicide attempt.
Her last film, "The Key," was released in 2007.
