Born in Naples, Lina Sastri started acting in amateur dramatics at very young age.

She made her professional debut with the theatrical company Teatro Libero, and had her breakout in 1974, starring in the musical drama Masaniello.

On stage, she worked intensively with Giuseppe Patroni Griffi, and her collaborations include Eduardo De Filippo, Fabio Carpi and Memè Perlini.

In 1984 she won a Silver Ribbon for Best Actress and a David di Donatello in the same category for her performance in Mi manda Picone.

[2] In 1987 she was awarded with a David di Donatello for Best Supporting Actress for Damiano Damiani's L'inchiesta.