Looking For Alibrandi star Pia Miranda has revealed her near miss with predatory film director Harvey Weinstein at the height of her career.
In an excerpt from her memoir Finding My Bella Vita, published by The AustralianThe 50-year-old actress recalled how, at the age of 27, she was invited by Weinstein for a solo trip on his private plane.
Pia revealed it was himr Alibrandi co-star Greta Scacchi who forced her to cancel the trip.
Pia and Greta happened to be in Italy at the time, when she told the actress about a possible private flight to London with Weinstein.
“(Greta) panicked… and demanded I cancel,” telling her that “something bad will happen to you on that plane.”
Looking For Alibrandi star Pia Miranda, 50, (pictured) has revealed her near miss with predatory film director Harvey Weinstein at the height of her career
“Harvey Weinstein was not a fan of my work, I was just a disposable young woman who was easy prey,” Pia added about the producer.
Greta famously played Pia’s protective mother Christina Alibrandi in the 2000 smash hit film Looking for Alibrandi.
Pia went on to say that she was ‘grateful’ to Greta and went on to call her a ‘hero’ for taking care of her.
In an excerpt from her memoir Finding My Bella Vita, published by The Australian, the actress (left) recalled how, at the age of 27, she was invited by Weinstein (right) for a solo trip on his private plane.
“Sure, maybe nothing bad would have happened to me on that plane alone with him, but after so many brave women have spoken about him over the years, I’m grateful I never found out.”
The 70-year-old Weinstein became infamous for a number of sexual assaults and rapes involving mainly actresses, whom he often met under the guise of work.
He was sentenced to 23 years in prison for his crimes. He was recently jailed for another 16 years on three more charges of rape and sexual assault.
Pia revealed that it was her Alibrandi co-star Greta Scacchi who forced her to cancel the trip. Pictured in the film with actresses Greta Scacchi (left) and Elena Cotta
Greta called Pia’s tribute moving and said it was all part of “women helping women” as a natural part of “sisterhood.”
“There is something worth discussing in the #MeToo whirlwind that is much more down-to-earth and universal than the celebrity media is suggesting,” Scacchi said.
‘It has to do with the role that more experienced female (or male) colleagues and friends play in warning vulnerable women of danger. I believe that ‘sisterhood’ has always been active and a natural part of life.”
Greta famously played Pia’s protective mother Christina Alibrandi in Looking for Alibrandi
Off-screen, Greta is the mother of actress Leila George, also an actress, who was previously married to Hollywood star Sean Penn.
Pia’s memoir, full title Finding My Bella Vita: A Story of Family, Food, Fame and Working Out who You Are, will be released later this month.
The tome will lift the lid on her illustrious career, including its ups and downs, after she rose to fame in 2000 following the release of Looking For Alibrandi.
Pia’s memoir, full title Finding My Bella Vita: A Story of Family, Food, Fame and Working Out who You are, will be released later this month
Pia received widespread industry praise for her starring role in the film, even winning an AACTA Award for Best Actress in 2000 and a nomination for the FCCA Best Actor Award.
She went on to appear in TV shows such as Wentworth, All Saints, Mustangs FC and The Secret Life of Us. However, she struggled to recreate her initial success.
More recently, she has found another wave of fame after appearing on Australian Survivor in 2019, winning the series and taking home $500,000.
In March 2001, she married Australian musician Luke Hanigan, the singer and guitarist of the popular rock band Lo-Tel.
Pia and Luke started dating in 2000 and got married four months into their relationship.
The couple have two children: Lilly, 12, and James, eight.
The tome will lift the lid on her illustrious career, including its ups and downs, after she rose to prominence in 2000 following the release of Looking For Alibrandi