She and Vincenza Armani were the two most famed actresses in Italy in the 1560s and were described as great rivals.
[5] She was engaged in the Comedia dell'arte Hortensia, the Desiosi company and the "Compagnia del Ganassi", and she performed at the court of Alfonso Gonzaga and the Imperial court of Maximilian II.
Throughout her career she was incredibly popular with the public, who flocked to her performances.
[7] At some point she married Alberto Naselli, a comedian and actor who lead a troupe under the stage name Zan Ganassa.
[8] She toured the courts of Europe as part of her husband's troupe, often under her own stage name, Hortensia.