Known as "La Duse," the actor Eleonora Duse (1859–1924) was born at Vigevano in northern Italy to a family of strolling players. She established herself as a leading actor in Naples and went on to find international stardom, playing romantic and realist roles across Europe and America.

Eleonora Giulia Amalia Duse /ˈdjuːzeɪ/ DEW-zay, Italian: [eleoˈnɔːra ˈduːze]; 3 October 1858 – 21 April 1924), often known simply as Duse, was an Italian actress, rated by many as the greatest of her time. She performed in many countries, notably in the plays of Gabriele D'Annunzio and Henrik Ibsen.