Actress Sophia Loren celebrates her 90th birthday on Friday. Congratulations came from the Italian President, among others.
Acting icon Sophia Loren celebrates her 90th birthday. (Archive photo) – Keystone
On Friday, Sophia Loren, one of the most famous actresses of the 20th century, celebrates her 90th birthday. Even in her old age, the Neapolitan-born actress remains for many people the epitome of a classic film diva full of grace and elegance.
Sophia Loren in Venice in the late 1950s. (Archive photo) – Keystone
Also known as “La Divina” (“The Divine”), she rose to fame through her roles in films such as “The Gold of Naples” (1954), “Houseboat” (1958) and “And Yet They Live” (1960). The then 86-year-old was last seen in 2020 in the Netflix production “You Have Your Life Ahead of You”.
Sophia Loren: From bottom to top
Born in Naples in 1933 as Sofia Costanza Brigida Villani Scicolone, Sophia Loren grew up in difficult times and without a father, far from the limelight. But at the age of 14 she won her first beauty contest, as reported by “Prisma” and others. This triggered a series of events that ultimately paved her way to Hollywood.
She was discovered and promoted by the film producer Carlo Ponti, whom she married in 1966 after some confusion. Together they had two sons, Carlo Jr. and Edoardo. Ponti died in a hospital in Geneva in 2007 at the age of 94. He was with Sophia Loren until the end.
Sophia Loren and husband Carlo Ponti arrive at the IX International Film Festival at Berlin-Tempelhof Airport (D) in 1959. (Archive photo) – Keystone
Not prettier than others?
The 1950s and ’60s marked the peak of Loren’s career. Her elegant and seductive performances alongside stars such as Cary Grant, Gregory Peck and Marlon Brando made her a worldwide symbol of femininity and eroticism.
Meanwhile, it is said that it was not just her impressive appearance that brought Loren to the top of Hollywood. Rather, she also always impressed with her assertiveness and charisma. She once said on the subject of beauty: “I am not prettier than others. Just different.”
Congratulations from the President
Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella also took the opportunity to congratulate one of the country’s most famous daughters on her birthday. He addressed the actress directly in a public message of greeting, as “k.at” and others reported.
“I would like to convey to you my warmest congratulations, together with the gratitude of the Republic, for your extraordinary career as a film star, which has been marked by the award of numerous prestigious national and international awards,” said Mattarella.
Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella also congratulated Sophia Loren on her birthday. (Archive photo) – Keystone
He continues: “Your elegance, your charm and your inimitable acting have left their mark on numerous Italian and foreign films that have contributed to the best history of cinema.”
Big Love Geneva
Sophia Loren has had her main residence in Switzerland for decades. The diva once enthused: “Switzerland is and will remain my home. In Geneva I find joy in the little things. I spend my time thinking, reading and writing.”
Did you know that film diva Sophia Loren lives in Geneva?
How exactly she will spend her birthday is not publicly known. She herself, as quoted by “swissinfo.com” among others, is prepared to be surprised: “My family is keeping the details secret from me. But I am sure there will be lots of love, laughter, music and good food.”
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