Biography
I was born at dawn on November 26 (under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius) after a long stormy night, in a clinic in my hometown: Budapest, Hungary. My mother’s name was Ilona, just like mine, and she was a woman full of vitality.
As a child, I was very sweet and, according to others, also very beautiful. I loved wearing ribbons in my hair—it made me feel like I could fly. My father was an official at the Hungarian Ministry of the Interior, and my mother was a midwife. In 1964, at just 13 years old, after winning the title of Miss Hungary, I began working for the Hungarian modeling agency M.T.I.
When I got married for the first time at a very young age, I had the opportunity to move to Italy, where in 1973 I quickly gained recognition for a radio program called “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?” (Do you want to sleep with me?) on the famous Radio Luna in Rome. It was one of the first explicitly erotic radio shows, airing at night from midnight to 2 AM, entirely dedicated to erotic phone calls from listeners. I interacted with them in a seductive female voice, affectionately calling them “Cicciolini” and “Ciccioline.” That’s how my famous nickname “Cicciolina” was born, launching me into national and international fame. Today, I am known all over the world, and my stage name Cicciolina has remained among the most searched keywords on major search engines.
My Career in Film & Television
I started appearing in films in 1974, using the pseudonym Elena Mercury. From the movie La Liceale, directed by Michele Massimo Tarantini, I was credited as Ilona Staller. In this film, I played Monica, a lesbian student in love with the protagonist (Gloria Guida), while in La Supplente by Guido Leoni, I appeared in a daring scene in a gym. I also had roles in art films directed by Alberto Lattuada and Miklós Jancsó.
In 1976, I was the first to introduce full-frontal nudity in a public venue in Italy—a nightclub.
In 1980, I made my TV debut in the variety show C’era Due Volte, directed by Enzo Trapani, alongside Daniele Piombi. This show humorously reimagined well-known fairy tales and aired in prime time, becoming a great success.
In 1983, I transitioned into hardcore cinema, and through my agency Diva Futura, which I founded at that time, I launched many talents into the adult film industry. To this day, I remain one of the most celebrated adult film stars worldwide, having received numerous awards in adult film history alongside major international producers.
In 1994, I played a stripper in Replikator, and in 1996, I starred in several episodes of the Brazilian telenovela Xica da Silva, portraying “Princesa Ludovica di Castelgandolfo di Genova.”
I also participated in several documentaries, such as:
• Un Siècle de Plaisir: Voyage à Travers l’Histoire de l’Hard (1996)
• Wadd: The Life and Times of John C. Holmes (1998)
Music & Live Performances
I have also had a music career, performing songs that remain part of my live shows today. These songs, almost always centered on sensuality, have become hits. You can find my CDs in the Gadgets section of this website, including my international hit “Muscolo Rosso” and many other unique songs.
My Life Today: Projects & Events
I remain in the spotlight of the international Jet Set, working on various exciting projects:
• A film about my life, revealing never-before-seen aspects
• A book about the porn industry, a sort of “Behind the Scenes of Porn”
• A script for a movie about my life, which I am offering to major film producers
You can learn more about my life and career in my photographic book “MEMORIE – Racconto Fotografico di un MITO: CICCIOLINA Ilona Staller”, which documents my journey from model to porn star, to perfect wife, to politician, with stunning color photographs across 230 pages.
You can purchase it personally signed by me via:
• Facebook (Ilona Staller CICCIOLINA - Official Page and Staller Ilona)
• Twitter (cicciolina_uff)
• Instagram (Cicciolina_Official)
• Email: Info@cicciolinaonline.com
Currently, I am touring as a Special Guest at top nightclubs in Italy and around the world, under the event name “THE LOVE TOUR by CICCIOLINA”. My live shows feature performances of my hit songs like “Muscolo Rosso”, where I connect with my fans, who all want to see me perform live.
I also continue to make appearances at Erotic Fairs, Dinner Shows, live events in exclusive venues, and as a beloved LGBTQ+ Pride icon, where I have long been an acclaimed Madrina (Patroness).
I Love You All!
Ilona Staller CICCIOLINA
