Anita Ekberg

Swedish actress and model, Anita Ekberg, rose to fame for her iconic role as Sylvia in Fellini's "La Dolce Vita," particularly the Trevi Fountain scene.

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Profession :

Movie Actress

Birthday :

September 29, 1931

Star Sign :

Libra

Death Date:

January 11, 2015

Age :

83

Birthplace :

Malmö, Sweden

Anita Ekberg, a Swedish actress and model, was born on September 29, 1931, in Malmö, Sweden. She rose to international fame in the 1950s and 1960s, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry. Growing up in a working-class family, Ekberg received a basic education and developed a keen interest in modeling and acting. Her striking features and tall stature of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) caught the attention of talent scouts, leading her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Ekberg’s career took off when she moved to Italy and began appearing in Italian films. Her breakthrough role came in Federico Fellini’s iconic masterpiece, “La Dolce Vita” (1960), where she played the unforgettable role of Sylvia, the glamorous and enigmatic actress. This role propelled her to international fame and established her as a symbol of Italian cinema. Her iconic scene in “La Dolce Vita,” where she frolics in the Trevi Fountain, became an unforgettable moment in cinema history.

Throughout her career, Anita Ekberg starred in numerous films, including “War and Peace” (1956), “Artists and Models” (1955), “Zarak” (1956), “Pickup Alley” (1957), and “Sign of the Gladiator” (1962). She collaborated with renowned directors such as Federico Fellini, King Vidor, and Richard Fleischer, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry.

Anita Ekberg’s talent and contributions to the film industry were duly recognized. She received the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer in 1956 and was honored with a star on the illustrious Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Ekberg also shared a close friendship with the legendary actress Marilyn Monroe, often seen socializing with her in Hollywood.

Anita Ekberg’s personal life was marked by both triumphs and challenges. She experienced two marriages, first to Anthony Steel from 1956 to 1959 and later to Rik Van Nutter from 1963 to 1975. Despite her successful career, she faced personal struggles, including health issues and financial difficulties in her later years.

Anita Ekberg’s legacy as a movie actress continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. Her beauty, talent, and contributions to the film industry have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.