duse

Duse is a surname of Italian origin. It is most widely known through Eleonora Duse, a prominent 19th and early 20th century actress whose work left a lasting mark on European theatre.

Eleonora Duse (1858–1924) was an Italian stage actress celebrated for a naturalistic acting style and deep psychological engagement. Across a career that spanned Italy, other parts of Europe, and the United States, she earned wide critical acclaim and is regarded by many historians as one of the most influential performers of her era. Her repertoire included works by contemporary playwrights and classic dramas, and her approach to acting influenced subsequent generations of performers.

The surname Duse may appear in other contexts or in reference to individuals beyond Eleonora, though she remains the best-known bearer. In unrelated contexts, Duse can also function as an acronym or shorthand in specialized disciplines, but such uses are not standardized and vary by field.

The term is distinct from other similar spellings such as dues, which refers to payments owed.