Camille Saviola

Camille Saviola (July 16, 1950 – October 28, 2021) was an American actress and singer born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, the daughter of Mary (née d'Esopo) and Michael Saviola. She grew up near Yankee Stadium and completed her education at the High School of Music and Art before attending college for one year and leaving to pursue a career in acting. Prior to establishing herself in theater and film, Saviola served as lead singer of the Margo Lewis Explosion rock band during the 1970s and was signed to a disco recording contract later in that decade.

Over the following 25 years, Saviola built a career spanning theater, television, and film, becoming particularly recognized for supporting roles in Italian, Latino, and Jewish characters. Her Broadway work ran from 1982 to 1996 and included two notable productions. She originated the role of Mama Maddelena in Tommy Tune's Broadway production of Nine, and later appeared as Matron Mama Morton in the revival of Chicago. In 2007, she received a Back Stage West Garland Award for her work in Zorba.

Beyond the stage, Saviola appeared in four episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, portraying Bajoran religious leader Kai Opaka. She also received a CableACE Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the made-for-cable film Nightlife. Saviola died of heart failure on October 28, 2021, in Hackensack, New Jersey, at the age of 71.