The name of the famous Russian singer Fyodor Ivanovich Shalyapin is known far beyond the borders of Russia. Over the years of his career, he became a symbol of Russian opera, and his fame continues to live on even many years after his passing. However, few know about his talented daughter Marina Fedorovna Shalyapina-Freddy, who was not only a beauty but also a well-known Italian actress of her time.

Marina Fedorovna was born on March 14, 1912. At that time, her parents were not yet officially divorced from their previous partners and lived in a civil marriage. She was the second child of Fyodor Ivanovich from his second marriage; in total, he had nine children: six from his first wife and three from the second. Only in 1927, while in exile, was he able to formalize his second marriage. At the age of ten, Marina left Russia with her parents and moved to Paris, where she received a good education and chose a creative path.

Marina Fedorovna actively participated in the life of the Russian youth. Initially, she aspired to become a ballerina, but due to an injury, she could not continue her career. She then took part in a beauty contest in 1931, which was held among Russian girls in exile, and won. After that, she moved to the USA and then to Vienna. Her creative path led her to study at the American Academy of Design and Interior and to obtain an Austrian diploma in theater directing. Soon, she married the organizer of the first Venice Film Festival and began acting in Italian cinema. During World War II, she served as a naval officer on a cruise ship and successfully survived the year 1945.

The daughter of the great Russian singer lived for 97 years, fluently speaking five languages and having numerous professions. She was surrounded by the love of her husband and daughter Angela. Marina Fedorovna passed away on July 14, 2009, and was buried in the Italian cemetery Laurentino.