When you think of the 1997 comedy classic Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, a few things immediately jump to mind. There’s the velvet suit, the "shagadelic" catchphrases, and, of course, the pun-heavy character names that made everyone giggle like they were back in middle school. One of the most memorable of those characters—partly because of the name and partly because of the performance—is the villainous seductress Alotta Fagina.
So, who plays Alotta Fagina? The answer is Fabiana Udenio.
If you’ve watched the movie recently, you know she’s the "Italian confidential secretary" to Number Two, who tries to distract Austin in a high-stakes blackjack game and later in a very bubbly hot tub. Udenio played the role with a perfect mix of Bond-girl elegance and dry, comedic timing. But honestly, there is a lot more to her career than just being the punchline of a Mike Myers joke.
The Face Behind the Name: Fabiana Udenio
Fabiana Udenio didn’t just appear out of thin air for the Austin Powers franchise. She’s an Argentine-born Italian actress who actually started her journey in the spotlight at a remarkably young age. Born in Buenos Aires, she moved to Italy and was crowned "Miss Teen Italy" when she was only 14.
That’s a lot of pressure for a teenager.
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Shortly after her pageant win, she made her professional stage debut in a production of The Tempest. It wasn’t long before Hollywood came calling. By the late 1980s and early 90s, she was becoming a staple of American television and film, often cast as the "international beauty" because of her background and striking look.
Beyond the Austin Powers Hot Tub
Before she was Alotta Fagina, Udenio was Anna-Maria Mazarelli. If that name sounds familiar, you’re probably a fan of the 1987 cult classic Summer School. She played the beautiful Italian exchange student who drove all the boys in Mark Harmon's remedial English class absolutely crazy. It’s a role that many Gen Xers remember just as vividly as her turn in Austin Powers.
She’s also one of those "hey, it’s her!" actresses you’ve likely seen in dozens of shows without realizing it.
Check out this list of her varied credits:
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- Full House: She played Adrianna in the early seasons.
- Babylon 5: She appeared as Adira Tyree.
- Jane the Virgin: She had a recurring role as Elena Di Nola (Mother Bernhard).
- RoboCop 2: Remember the "Sunblock 5000" commercial? That was her.
- The Wedding Planner: She played Anna Bosco alongside Jennifer Lopez.
Why the Character Still Sparks Curiosity
The character of Alotta Fagina is a direct parody of the classic James Bond trope. Specifically, she’s a nod to Pussy Galore from Goldfinger and Helga Brandt from You Only Live Twice. In the 90s, this kind of humor was peak comedy. In 2026, it feels like a time capsule of a specific era of spoof films.
Interestingly, depending on where you watched the movie, you might have heard a different name. On certain television broadcasts (like TBS back in the day), her name was actually dubbed over to become "Alotta Cleavag-é" to make it "safe" for daytime TV. It’s a weirdly specific bit of censorship that fans of the movie still talk about today.
Where is Fabiana Udenio Now?
If you think her career ended when the 90s did, you haven't been keeping up with Netflix.
Udenio has had a massive career resurgence recently. She stars as Tally Brunner in the action-comedy series FUBAR, playing the ex-wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character. Seeing her on screen with Arnold feels like a full-circle moment for fans of 80s and 90s cinema. She’s still got that same screen presence, though the roles she's taking now have a bit more emotional weight than the secretaries of Dr. Evil.
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On a personal note, Udenio's life hasn't always been as breezy as a movie set. She’s been open in the past about her personal struggles, including a public divorce from real estate developer Robert MacLeod in 2009. She has one son, Adrian, and seems to have found a great balance between her veteran status in Hollywood and her private life.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to explore more of her work beyond the Austin Powers universe, here is how to do it:
- Watch FUBAR on Netflix: It is the best way to see her modern acting range. She’s not just a "bond girl" parody anymore; she’s a lead in a major series.
- Revisit Summer School: If you want a hit of 80s nostalgia, this is her quintessential early role.
- Check her guest spots: If you’re a fan of Jane the Virgin, go back and look for her as Elena. It’s a much darker, more complex role than her comedic work.
Knowing who plays Alotta Fagina is just the entry point. Fabiana Udenio has managed to navigate the tricky waters of being a "sex symbol" in the 90s and transitioning into a respected character actress who can hold her own against legends like Schwarzenegger. That’s no small feat in an industry that often forgets people as soon as the credits roll.