If you want to know more about Pia Zadora, you are in the right place. Pia Zadora is an American actress and singer best known for her roles in films like “Butterfly” and her music career.
She became popular for her starring role in the 1981 film “Butterfly,” which brought her both critical attention and controversy. She is also known for her work as a singer, often performing popular standards with orchestral backing.
In this article, you will learn about Pia Zadora’s age, career, education, personal life, net worth, and other important details.
Pia Zadora Wiki And Biography
Pia Zadora, born Pia Alfreda Schipani on May 4, 1954, is an American actress and singer. She started her career at a young age, appearing on Broadway and in regional theater.
Her early film debut was in “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” in 1964.
Zadora gained national attention in 1981 for her role in “Butterfly,” earning a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year while also receiving a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress for the same performance.
This dual recognition highlighted the mixed reception of her early film career.
| Pia Zadora Wiki and Biography | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Pia Alfreda Schipani |
| Stage Name | Pia Zadora |
| Date of Birth | May 4, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Hoboken, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer |
| Mother’s Name | Saturnina Schipani (née Zadorowski) |
| Father’s Name | Alphonse Schipani |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American, Polish-American |
| Alma Mater | Not specified |
| Years Active | 1961–present |
| Notable Roles | Girmar in Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, Butterfly, Hairspray |
| Notable Music Work | “When the Rain Begins to Fall,” “The Clapping Song” |
Pia Zadora’s life story is one of early talent and a career that navigated both critical praise and public scrutiny.
Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, her parents, Alphonse Schipani, a violinist, and Saturnina Schipani, a wardrobe supervisor, instilled in her a love for the performing arts. She adapted part of her mother’s maiden name for her stage career.
Her journey began on the stage, with appearances on Broadway and in regional theater productions, including “Fiddler on the Roof.” This early exposure to the performing world set the stage for her later success and challenges in the film and music industries.
Pia Zadora Height, Weight, And More
Pia Zadora’s physical presence has been a part of her public image throughout her career. Standing at an average height for a woman, she has maintained a figure that has suited her roles and performances.
Her weight has also been a factor in her public presentation, contributing to her overall look.
Details about her exact measurements are not extensively publicized, but she has presented herself with a consistent appearance across her various media appearances.
| Pia Zadora Height, Weight, and More | Details |
|---|---|
| Height (in feet) | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Height (in meters) | 1.65 m |
| Height (in inches) | 65 inches |
| Weight (in kg) | 60 kg |
| Weight (in pounds) | 132 lbs |
| Weight (in ounces) | 2112 ounces |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Body Type | Average |
| Shoe Size | 7 (US) |
| Dress Size | 6 (US) |
| Build | Slim |
Pia Zadora’s physical attributes have played a role in her career as an actress and singer. She is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall, which is an average height.
Her weight is estimated at around 60 kilograms, or 132 pounds, indicating a slim build. These physical characteristics have likely influenced the types of roles she has taken on and her stage presence.
Her brown eyes and blonde hair have also been consistent features throughout her public life, contributing to her recognizable image.
Pia Zadora Career Information
Pia Zadora’s career began in her childhood, showcasing her early talent in acting. She made her debut as a child actress on Broadway and in regional theater, even appearing in the film “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” in 1964.
Her acting career saw a significant boost in the 1980s with films like “Butterfly,” although this period was marked by mixed critical reception.
Simultaneously, Zadora developed a career as a singer, releasing several albums that often featured popular standards with symphonic backing, earning her a Grammy nomination in 1984.
| Pia Zadora Career Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Debut Film | Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964) |
| Debut Broadway Role | Midgie Purvis (1961) |
| Notable Film Roles | Butterfly (1982), Fake-Out (1982), The Lonely Lady (1983), Voyage of the Rock Aliens (1985), Hairspray (1988) |
| Music Genre | Pop, Easy Listening, Country, Standards |
| Debut Album | Pia (1982) |
| Grammy Nomination Year | 1984 |
| Prominent Awards | Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year (1981), Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress (1982, 1983), Worst New Star of the Decade (1980s) |
| Record Label(s) | CBS Records, Epic Records |
| Most Known For | Acting and Singing |
| Television Appearances | Pajama Tops (1983), Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme (1990), Frasier (voice, 1999), Celebrity Ghost Stories (2012) |
| Theater Work (Post-1980s) | Funny Girl (1991), Crazy for You (1995), Pippin (1995), Pia Zadora: Back Again, and Standing Tall (2011), Pia’s Place (2013-2026) |
| Career Span | Child actress to present day singer and performer |
Pia Zadora’s career path is a fascinating mix of early success and later adjustments. She began as a child performer, showcasing her acting talents in theater and film from a very young age.
Her role in “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” was an early, albeit infamous, start in movies.
The 1980s marked a period of significant film work for Zadora, with “Butterfly” being a major turning point, bringing her both awards and criticism.
This era also saw her shift focus towards music, where she found success with albums of popular standards, demonstrating her vocal abilities and earning a Grammy nomination.
Pia Zadora Net Worth Information
Pia Zadora’s net worth is a reflection of her long and varied career in the entertainment industry.
Over the decades, she has earned income from her acting roles in films and television, as well as from her music career, including album sales and performances.
Her personal life, including her marriage to businessman Meshulam Riklis and the subsequent sale of a high-value property, has also influenced her financial standing.
While exact figures can fluctuate, her career has provided a substantial financial base.
| Pia Zadora Net Worth Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Primary Income Sources | Acting, Singing, Music Albums, Performances |
| Notable Property Sale | Pickfair Manor (sold for $17.65 million in 2005/2006) |
| Business Ventures | Not specified |
| Investments | Not specified |
| Philanthropic Contributions | Supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital |
| Endorsements | Dubonnet Girl commercials |
| Income from Music Sales | Significant, particularly in international markets |
| Income from Film Roles | Varied throughout her career |
| Financial Peak | Likely during the 1980s and early 1990s |
| Current Financial Status | Active performer and artist |
| Inherited Wealth | Not specified |
Pia Zadora has built a notable net worth through her diverse career in entertainment. Her primary income streams have come from her work as an actress in films and television, as well as her successful music career.
She released several albums and singles, some of which achieved popularity, especially in international markets.
A significant financial event in her life was the sale of the famous Pickfair Manor, which she and her ex-husband purchased and later sold for a considerable sum, adding to her financial assets.
10 Interesting Facts About Pia Zadora
1. Pia Zadora was born on May 4, 1954.
2. She started her career as a child actress on Broadway.
3. Her first film was “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” in 1964.
4. She won a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year for her role in “Butterfly.”
5. Pia Zadora also won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress for the same role in “Butterfly.”
6. She was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1984 for her music.
7. Her father was an Italian-American violinist, and her mother was Polish-American.
8. She adapted her stage name from her mother’s maiden name, Zadorowski.
9. Pia Zadora starred in the musical comedy “Voyage of the Rock Aliens.”
10. She performed a cabaret show titled “Pia Zadora: Back Again, and Standing Tall” in 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When was Pia Zadora born?
A1: Pia Zadora was born on May 4, 1954.
Q2: What is Pia Zadora famous for?
A2: She is famous for her acting roles in films like “Butterfly” and her singing career.
Q3: What was Pia Zadora’s first movie?
A3: Her first movie was “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” in 1964.
Q4: Did Pia Zadora win any awards for “Butterfly”?
A4: Yes, she won a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year but also a Razzie for Worst Actress for the same role.
Q5: What kind of music does Pia Zadora sing?
A5: She sings popular standards, easy listening, and has also released country and pop music.
Q6: How many children does Pia Zadora have?
A6: She has three children from her marriages.
Q7: Where was Pia Zadora born?
A7: Pia Zadora was born in Hoboken, New Jersey.
Q8: Has Pia Zadora ever been nominated for a Grammy?
A8: Yes, she was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1984.
Q9: What is Pia Zadora’s husband’s name?
A9: She has been married three times; her husbands were Meshulam Riklis, Jonathan Kaufer, and Michael Jeffries.
Q10: Is Pia Zadora still performing?
A10: Yes, she has continued to perform in cabaret shows and other engagements.
Conclusion
Pia Zadora is an American actress and singer who has had a notable career in entertainment.
She began as a child performer and later gained fame for her roles in films like “Butterfly,” which brought her both critical awards and controversy.
Zadora also developed a successful music career, releasing albums of popular standards and earning a Grammy nomination.
Her life has included personal experiences, such as high-profile marriages and property transactions, contributing to her public persona.
Despite facing various challenges, Pia Zadora has remained a recognizable figure in the entertainment world, continuing to perform and engage with her fans.
