Portelli's interest in drama started at a young age, when she would set up her own stage and produce her own plays to entertain other children.
[3] Her professional career took off in 1957, when she joined the Rediffusion show titled Radju Muskettieri together with fellow actors Charles Clews and Johnny Catania.
[6] Portelli is also known for presenting a series of Maltese comedy shows titled Fuq Tlieta Toqgħod il-Borma (1980).
[5] In spite of health issues, she took part in what would be her final production – a Maltese television series titled Ta' Ħorrox Borrox.
[3] She was buried in a private chapel at the Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery in Paola, the largest burial ground in Malta.