Born in
San Giovanni in Persiceto, the daughter and niece of famous circus artists, since her childhood Orfei started her engagement in activities typical of the sector such as being a clown, a horsewoman and even a tamer of wild beasts. Her film career began in the late 1950s, when she played some secondary roles in several films of adventure and
peplum genre and in some comedies. In a short time she landed more significant productions and roles, working with directors such as
Ettore Scola,
Mario Monicelli,
Antonio Pietrangeli,
Dino Risi. She retired from acting after playing a role inspired on herself in
Federico Fellini's
I clowns (1970). She was also active on stage and in television. She is the cousin of the actress
Moira Orfei. ==Selected filmography==