Gina Lollobrigida
Actor
About Gina Lollobrigida
Gina Lollobrigida, born Gianna Maria Giulia Lollobrigida, rose from humble beginnings in Subiaco, Italy, to become one of Europe's most celebrated actresses and international sex symbols of the 1950s. Initially studying fine arts and sculpture in Rome, she was discovered in a beauty contest and began her film career in Italian productions during the late 1940s. Her breakthrough came with the film 'The White Sheik' (1952), which caught the attention of Hollywood and led to her international stardom. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she starred in numerous successful films on both sides of the Atlantic, including 'Beat the Devil' (1953), 'Trapeze' (1956), and 'Come September' (1961), often playing glamorous, passionate characters that showcased her striking beauty and dramatic talent. After her acting career waned in the 1970s, Lollobrigida reinvented herself as an accomplished photojournalist and sculptor, conducting interviews with world leaders and publishing several acclaimed photography books. She remained a cultural icon throughout her life, representing the golden era of European cinema and the transition of international stars into Hollywood fame.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for her passionate, dramatic performances combining Italian emotional intensity with Hollywood glamour, often portraying strong-willed, sensual women with underlying vulnerability and complexity.
Milestones
- Won Nastro d'Argento for Best Actress for 'The White Sheik' (1952)
- International breakthrough with 'Beat the Devil' (1953)
- Golden Globe nomination for 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' (1956)
- Box office success with 'Come September' (1961)
- Transitioned to acclaimed photojournalist in the 1970s
- Published photography book 'The Philippines' in 1976
- Received Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 2018
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Nastro d'Argento for Best Actress (1952)
- Golden Globe Henrietta Award (1953)
- Golden Globe Henrietta Award (1954)
- David di Donatello Special Award (1956)
- Bambi Award (1956)
- Photography International Award (1975)
- Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2018)
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' (1956)
- BAFTA nomination for Best Foreign Actress for 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' (1956)
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' (1956)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (6257 Hollywood Blvd)
- Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters (France)
- Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
- National Italian American Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Gina Lollobrigida represented the pinnacle of European beauty and talent crossing over to international stardom during the 1950s, embodying the post-war fascination with Italian cinema and culture. Her success helped pave the way for subsequent European actresses like Sophia Loren and Anita Ekberg to achieve Hollywood fame. As one of the most photographed women of her era, she defined the glamour aesthetic of the 1950s and appeared on countless magazine covers worldwide. Her transition from actress to respected photojournalist and artist demonstrated remarkable versatility and challenged stereotypes about aging actresses in the entertainment industry.
Lasting Legacy
Lollobrigida's legacy encompasses both her groundbreaking film career and her pioneering work as a female photojournalist. She remains an icon of mid-century cinema, remembered for her striking beauty, dramatic talent, and the passionate intensity she brought to her roles. Her photography work, particularly her portraits of world leaders and cultural figures, earned her respect in a different artistic field and showed her evolution beyond typecasting. She represented a transitional figure between classic Hollywood glamour and the more independent, multifaceted careers of modern entertainers.
Who They Inspired
Lollobrigida influenced generations of European actresses seeking international careers, demonstrating that foreign stars could achieve mainstream success in Hollywood while maintaining their cultural identity. Her success in both dramatic and glamorous roles expanded the range of possibilities for actresses in international cinema. Her later career as a photographer and artist inspired other performers to develop creative pursuits beyond their primary entertainment careers, showing that artistic expression could evolve and adapt throughout life.
Off Screen
Gina Lollobrigida led a colorful personal life marked by high-profile relationships and her later dedication to photography and humanitarian work. She married Yugoslav physician Milko Skofic in 1949, with whom she had her only son, and the couple divorced in 1971 after years of separation. In her later years, she became involved in a highly publicized legal battle with her son over control of her assets and artwork. Despite these challenges, she maintained her independence and continued working in photography and art well into her 90s. She was known for her strong personality, business acumen, and dedication to her craft, whether in front of the camera or behind it.
Education
Studied fine arts and sculpture at Rome's Academy of Fine Arts before transitioning to acting
Family
- Milko Skofic (1949-1971)
Did You Know?
- Was discovered in a 1947 beauty contest where she placed third
- Turned down the role of Anita Ekberg's character in 'La Dolce Vita' (1960)
- Spoke fluent Italian, English, French, and Spanish
- Was one of the highest-paid actresses in Europe during the 1950s
- Her nickname was 'La Lollo' among fans and press
- Conducted exclusive interviews with Fidel Castro, Indira Gandhi, and other world leaders as a photojournalist
- Had her own line of cosmetics and beauty products in the 1950s
- Was considered for the role of Cleopatra before Elizabeth Taylor was cast
- Once owned a castle in Italy which she restored and used as a residence
- Her photography work was exhibited in major museums including the Louvre
- Received death threats from the Mafia for refusing to appear in their films
- Was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for many years
In Their Own Words
I have had many loves, but the greatest love of my life has been my work
Beauty is not something you can count on. It's gone. But my work is something that will always be there
I am not a professional photographer. I am an amateur who became a professional because I was curious
The camera loves me, and I love the camera
I never wanted to be just a beautiful face. I wanted to be an artist
Age is just a number. It's totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine
I have lived a full life, and I have no regrets
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Gina Lollobrigida?
Gina Lollobrigida was an Italian actress, photojournalist, and sculptor who became one of Europe's most famous international stars during the 1950s. She was known for her striking beauty, passionate performances in films like 'Beat the Devil' and 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame', and later reinvented herself as an acclaimed photographer and artist.
What films is Gina Lollobrigida best known for?
Her most famous films include 'Beat the Devil' (1953) with Humphrey Bogart, 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' (1956), 'Trapeze' (1956), 'Solomon and Sheba' (1959), and 'Come September' (1961). These roles established her as an international sex symbol and dramatic actress during Hollywood's golden era.
When was Gina Lollobrigida born and when did she die?
Gina Lollobrigida was born on July 4, 1927, in Subiaco, Italy, and passed away on January 16, 2023, in Rome, Italy, at the age of 95. She lived through nearly a century of dramatic changes in cinema and culture.
What awards did Gina Lollobrigida win?
She won numerous awards including the Nastro d'Argento for Best Actress, two Golden Globe Henrietta Awards, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'. She was also honored with Italy's Order of Merit and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What was Gina Lollobrigida's acting style?
Lollobrigida was known for her passionate, dramatic performances that combined Italian emotional intensity with Hollywood glamour. She often portrayed strong-willed, sensual women with underlying vulnerability, bringing both beauty and depth to her roles in both European and American productions.
Did Gina Lollobrigida have a career beyond acting?
Yes, after her acting career declined in the 1970s, she became an accomplished photojournalist and sculptor. She conducted exclusive interviews with world leaders like Fidel Castro and Indira Gandhi, published several photography books, and had her work exhibited in major museums including the Louvre.
How did Gina Lollobrigida influence cinema?
She helped pave the way for European actresses to achieve international success in Hollywood, demonstrating that foreign stars could maintain their cultural identity while achieving mainstream fame. Her success expanded the range of roles available to international actresses and challenged stereotypes about aging entertainers by successfully transitioning to new artistic pursuits.
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Films
1 film
