Simonetta Stefanelli. Biography Simonetta Stefanelli (born November 30, 1954, in Rome) is an Italian former actress, entrepreneur, and fashion designer. She is internationally best known for her role as Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone, the first wife of Michael Corleone, in Francis Ford Coppola's film The Godfather (1972). She was married to Italian actor and director Michele Placido from 1989 to 1994. They have three children together, including actress and singer Violante Placido. Following her retirement from acting in 1992, Stefanelli transitioned into business, opening a fashion boutique named Simo Bloom in Rome, where she designed purses and shoes. In 2006, she was the subject of a widespread internet death hoax, which she subsequently debunked. Career Highlights Stefanelli's acting career spanned over two decades, transitioning from minor roles to international recognition, and later focusing heavily on Italian commercial cinema. 1. Early Career and International Breakthrough Stefanelli made her film debut in 1968 and appeared in supporting roles in Italian films before landing her most iconic role. La moglie giapponese (1968), directed by Gian Luigi Polidoro. Non commettere atti impuri (1971), directed by Giulio Petroni. The Godfather (1972), directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Her portrayal of Apollonia brought her worldwide fame at a