Duse was born in Vigevano, Italy, in 1858. Her father was a theater director, and she made her stage debut at the age of four. She quickly rose to prominence in the Italian theater, and by the 1880s she was one of the most popular actresses in Europe.
In 1893, Duse made her American debut in New York City. She was a huge success, and she toured the United States several times over the next few years. She also toured South America, Europe, and Asia, becoming one of the most famous actresses in the world.
Duse's acting style was characterized by its naturalism and emotional realism. She avoided the exaggerated gestures and artificiality of the traditional theater, and instead focused on creating characters that were believable and relatable. She was also known for her ability to convey complex emotions with great subtlety and nuance.
Duse's career spanned more than four decades, and she appeared in over 300 plays. She played a wide variety of roles, from Shakespeare's heroines to modern women in contemporary dramas. She was particularly acclaimed for her performances in Ibsen's plays, such as "The Lady from the Sea" and "Hedda Gabler."
Duse retired from the stage in 1923, and she died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the following year. She is considered one of the greatest actresses of all time, and her influence can still be seen in the work of actors and actresses today.