Arianthe Galani (born 9 April 1940),^[1] is an Australian character actress born in New Zealand^[2] of Greek descent. She is known for her roles in TV soap operas and serials, TV commercials, as well as films. Galani is primarily known for recurring roles, guest roles and cameos, in particular most commonly playing fiery Italian or Greek mothers.^[2]

Galani worked in opera and sang professionally before she became known as an actor. She worked as a singer in England for four years in the 1960s, then joined theAustralian Opera for five years between 1967 and 1972.^[3]

Galani appeared in the first series of cult drama TV seriesPrisoner, as Mrs. Bentley, in a controversial story-arc of a woman who had buried a child alive, a crime that was later falsely blamed on Lynn Warner (Kerry Armstrong), whom was subsequently wrongly convicted and imprisoned whilst protesting her innocence. the character played a crucial role in one of the show's original storylines, and with the series gaining international success in numerous countries, it is probably Galani's most widely known role.

Galani, prior to "Prisoner" had played a regular role in local soap opera,Number 96 as Maria Panucci, the aunt ofHarry Michaels' character Giovanni from late 1976 until the end of the series in August 1977, and then took a regular role inAustralian Broadcasting Corporation situation comedy seriesHome Sweet Home in 1980. Although she is actually of Greek descent, both roles were portraying fiery Italians.

Other television credits include:Matlock Police,Homicide,The Young Doctors,A Country Practice,The Flying Doctors,Home and Away,Police Rescue,Murder Call,Something in the Air,All Saints andBlue Heelers.

Galani also features in a series of television adverts for JalnaGreek Yoghurt andMortein.

^[5]

• Arianthe Galani atIMDb

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