Maria-Pia Casilio was an Italian film actress, best known for her roles in "Umberto D". and "Un americano a Roma". Born in San Pio delle Camere, L'Aquila, Casilio was pretty active between 1952 and 1960, usually with the typical characterization of a querulous and naive small-town girl, then, after her marriage with the voice actor Giuseppe Rinaldi, she semi-retired from acting. On the Criterion Collection DVD release of "Umberto D". Vittorio De Sica comments she was a lucky charm to have her in his films.
She only attended the auditions for "Umberto D" to watch, but she was spotted by Vittorio De Sica who decided she was perfect for the role of Maria. She was not keen to be in a film, and demanded an enormous fee, assuming they would reject her. But the studio agreed, and so she made the film.
Mother of actress Francesca Rinaldi.
