About
Oriana Fallaci was a prominent Italian journalist, author, and political interviewer. She was a member of the Italian resistance during World War II. Fallaci was renowned for her bold and often confrontational interview style. She gained worldwide recognition for her coverage of war, revolution, and her interviews with numerous world leaders during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
Career Timeline
Begins War Correspondence
Established herself as a bold foreign correspondent covering conflicts and international events. Her fearless reporting style began attracting attention.
Kisses Interview Sensation
Her confrontational interview with Henry Kissinger became legendary when he called it "the most disastrous conversation I ever had." This cemented her reputation for aggressive journalism.
Vietnam War Coverage
Published acclaimed "Interview with History" featuring her iconic interviews with world leaders including Kissinger, Golda Meir, and Indira Gandhi. This book established her as a major journalistic figure.
Novel 'Un Uomo' Published
Published her semi-autobiographical novel about her relationship with Greek resistance fighter Alexandros Panagoulis. The book was a bestseller and showed her literary range.
Post-9/11 Controversial Essays
Published "The Rage and the Pride," a controversial post-9/11 essay criticizing Islam and immigration. The work sold millions but made her a polarizing figure, praised by some and condemned by others.
Dies of Cancer
Died in Florence at age 76 after long battle with cancer. Her death marked the end of a remarkable but increasingly controversial career.
Complex Journalistic Legacy
Remembered as a pioneering and fearless journalist who interviewed the world's most powerful leaders. Her later controversial writings on Islam complicate her legacy, but her impact on journalism remains significant.
Related Celebrities
Last updated: February 23, 2026