The life of Legendary Sophia Loren: A Timeless Icon of Cinema

The life of Legendary Sophia Loren: A Timeless Icon of Cinema

Sophia Loren’s Recovery from Fall ‘Going Well’ but Actress Needs ‘Few Months’ of Rehabilitation: Manager

 

The 89-year-old Oscar winner underwent surgery after fracturing multiple bones when she fell at her Switzerland home Sept. 24

 

Sophia Loren attends The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opening Gala at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on September 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
Sophia Loren in Los Angeles in 2021. Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty

Nearly two weeks after Sophia Loren underwent surgery for multiple fractures following a fall at her Geneva, Switzerland, home Sept. 24, the 89-year-old is on the road to recovery.

“Everything [is] going well,” the Oscar winner’s manager, Carlo Giuisti, tells PEOPLE. “At least a few months of rehabilitation are needed.”

Giusti adds that the actress’s two sons, Carlo Ponti Jr., 54, and Edoardo Ponti, 50, are with her in Switzerland while she heals from the fractures to her femur and hip.

Following the surgery, Giusti told PEOPLE Sept. 26 the procedure went “extremely well” and his client was “slowly recovering.”.

Sophia Loren turns 90: The Italian film diva's roles and international awards | Euronews

Loren, who turned 89 on Sept. 20, was seen out and about just weeks before the accident.

On Sept. 2, she made an appearance at the Armani fashion show during the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where she appeared “very lively,” according to Giuseppe Fantasia, an Italian journalist and critic.

“You can tell she loves these events, she’s really happy at them,” he told PEOPLE. “She carried herself extremely well. People were quite excited to see her. She was quite the pull.”

Another person who saw Loren at the event said the screen legend “looked absolutely fine” and “probably had the biggest crowd around her at the show.” The onlooker added, “She was absolutely surrounded, chatting to people, in very good form.”

News of Loren’s accident was shared on the Instagram page for her restaurant chain Sept. 24.

Italian actress Sophia Loren inaugurates the Sophia Loren Restaurant
Marco Piraccini/Archivio Marco Piraccini/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty

“A fall at her home in Geneva today caused Ms Loren hip fractures. Operated with a positive outcome, she will now have to observe a short period of recovery and follow a road to rehabilitation,” according to the post, roughly translated to English.

“Thankfully everything worked out for the best and the Lady will be back with us very soon. The whole team at Sophia Loren Restaurant takes this opportunity to wish her a speedy recovery.”

 

Loren’s most recent acting role was in the 2020 drama The Life Ahead, directed by her son Edoardo.

Through the years, the Two Women and Marriage Italian Style star has been candid in interviews about aging.

“When I was 20, I didn’t think that one day I would live to 80, but you do. You think, ‘My God, all this time went by? I can’t believe it,’” she told W Magazine in 2016.

Four years later, she remarked to AARP: The Magazine that she was marveled that she was nearing 90.

“When I look in the mirror, I cheer for myself. I don’t ask, ‘Are you great?’ or ‘Are you beautiful?’ No! It’s how I feel inside, how secure I am, how happy I am. That’s what matters,” she said.

Sophia Loren celebrates her 90th birthday with Rome party

Sophia Loren is more than a screen legend; she is a cultural icon whose influence transcends cinema.

Sophia Loren, born Sofia Villani Scicolone on September 20, 1934, in Rome, Italy, is a name synonymous with grace, beauty, and extraordinary talent. As one of the most celebrated actresses in the history of cinema, Loren’s career spans over six decades, marked by numerous accolades, iconic roles, and a lasting impact on the film industry. Her journey from a humble upbringing to international stardom is a testament to her resilience, talent, and timeless appeal.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Sophia Loren’s early life was anything but glamorous. Raised in poverty by her single mother, Romilda Villani, in the small town of Pozzuoli near Naples, Loren’s childhood was marred by the hardships of World War II. Despite these challenges, her mother, an aspiring actress herself, encouraged Sophia to pursue a career in the arts. This support, coupled with Loren’s natural beauty and talent, set her on the path to stardom.

At the age of 14, Loren entered a beauty contest, which she did not win, but it marked the beginning of her career. She caught the eye of film producer Carlo Ponti, who would later become her mentor, husband, and lifelong partner. Ponti recognized Loren’s potential and helped her secure small roles in Italian films. Her early screen appearances, under the stage name Sofia Lazzaro, paved the way for more significant opportunities in the Italian film industry.

Sophia Loren compie 90 anni e festeggia a Roma: “Dove tutto è iniziato” | Mediaset Infinity

Rise to Stardom

Loren’s breakthrough came in the mid-1950s with a string of successful Italian films. Her roles in movies like “Aida” (1953) and “The Gold of Naples” (1954) showcased her acting abilities and screen presence. However, it was her collaboration with director Vittorio De Sica that truly catapulted her to fame. Films such as “The Roof” (1956) and “The Sign of Venus” (1955) highlighted her versatility and established her as a leading actress in Italian cinema.

In 1960, Loren’s performance in De Sica’s “Two Women” (La Ciociara) earned her international acclaim and numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Actress. She became the first actress to win an Oscar for a non-English language performance, a groundbreaking achievement that solidified her status as a global superstar. Loren’s portrayal of a mother struggling to protect her daughter during World War II was both powerful and poignant, showcasing her incredible range as an actress.

Hollywood and International Success

Following her Oscar win, Sophia Loren’s career soared to new heights. She made a successful transition to Hollywood, starring alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Her collaborations with actors such as Cary GrantFrank Sinatra, and Clark Gable in films like “The Pride and the Passion” (1957)“Houseboat” (1958), and “It Started in Naples” (1960) further cemented her status as an international star.

Loren’s charm, beauty, and talent made her a favorite in Hollywood. Her role in “El Cid” (1961) alongside Charlton Heston and her performance in “The Fall of the Roman Empire” (1964) showcased her ability to excel in epic historical dramas. Meanwhile, her comedic talent shone through in films like “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” (1963) and “Marriage Italian Style” (1964), both directed by De Sica and co-starring Marcello Mastroianni. These films not only earned her critical acclaim but also endeared her to audiences worldwide.

Sophia Loren wird 90: Aus der Armut Neapels ins reiche Hollywood | tagesschau.de

Awards and Accolades

Throughout her illustrious career, Sophia Loren has received numerous awards and honors. In addition to her Academy Award for “Two Women”, she won a second Oscar in 1991, an Honorary Award recognizing her contributions to world cinema. Loren has also received a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Award, among many others.

In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked her among the 25 Greatest Female Stars of Classical Hollywood Cinema. Her legacy extends beyond her filmography; she is a symbol of elegance, resilience, and talent. Loren’s influence on fashion and beauty is also notable, as she has been an enduring style icon for decades.

Later Career and Legacy

Even as she aged, Sophia Loren continued to captivate audiences with her performances. In the 1980s and 1990s, she took on more mature roles, often portraying strong, complex women. Films like “A Special Day” (1977)“Prêt-à-Porter” (1994), and “Grumpier Old Men” (1995) demonstrated her enduring appeal and versatility.

Loren’s return to the screen in “The Life Ahead” (2020), directed by her son Edoardo Ponti, was met with critical acclaim. Her performance as Madame Rosa, a Holocaust survivor who forms an unlikely bond with a young immigrant boy, was praised for its depth and emo

 

tional resonance. This role, at the age of 86, showcased Loren’s undiminished talent and her ability to connect with audiences across generations.

Personal Life

Sophia Loren’s personal life has been as captivating as her career. Her marriage to Carlo Ponti, whom she wed in 1957, was a central part of her life. Despite legal challenges due to Ponti’s previous marriage, the couple remained devoted to each other until Ponti’s death in 2007. They had two sons, Carlo Ponti Jr. and Edoardo Ponti, both of whom have pursued careers in the arts.

Loren’s autobiography, “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: My Life” (2014), offers an intimate look at her life, career, and the experiences that shaped her. Her resilience, strength, and grace have made her a role model for many, both within and outside the entertainment industry.

Sophia Loren is more than a screen legend; she is a cultural icon whose influence transcends cinema. Her journey from a small town in Italy to the heights of Hollywood stardom is a testament to her extraordinary talent and determination. Loren’s legacy is one of timeless beauty, exceptional talent, and an enduring passion for her craft. As one of the greatest actresses of all time, Sophia Loren continues to inspire and captivate audiences, proving that true artistry knows no bounds.

 

Italy celebrates Sophia Loren on her 90th birthday - Wanted in Rome

 

Sophia Loren Sparkles at 90th Birthday Celebration in Elegant Armani Gown

 

The Academy Award-winning movie icon celebrated her milestone birthday on Friday, Sept. 20

Sophia Loren is celebrating her 90th birthday.

On Monday, Sept. 23, her friend Giorgio Armani, also 90, shared a sweet clip from the movie icon’s celebrations, following her milestone occasion on Friday, Sept. 20.

The fashion designer’s page posted a clip from Loren’s birthday dinner, showing the Academy Award winner being serenaded with a special rendition of “Happy Birthday,” as she beamed and clapped at a table.

Loren could be seen covering her eyes with her hands, clearly looking surprised, as attendees celebrated her.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Giorgio Armani (@giorgioarmani)

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For the occasion, the Italian star wore a glittering silver outfit from the Giorgio Armani Privé collection, teaming it with a dazzling diamond necklace and earrings.

“A very special 90th birthday celebration for Sophia Loren,” the Armani Instagram account captioned the video, giving a shoutout to Loren’s son Edoardo Ponti and longtime friend Massimo Leonardelli.

Armani also shared a black and white throwback shot showing the pair looking glamorous as Loren kissed his cheek, while another photo showed her sitting next to the designer on a chair while smiling and placing her head affectionately on his shoulder.

 

sophia loren 1955
Sophia Loren in 1955.Silver Screen Collection/Getty

Loren’s celebrations come after she was hospitalized following a fall at her home in Geneva, Switzerland in September 2023. A representative for the actress told PEOPLE at the time that she’d suffered several fractures, including to her femur and hip.

In November, nearly six weeks after the fall, her manager Carlo Gusti assured PEOPLE that “everything [was] going very well” with her recovery.

 

 

While speaking to PEOPLE in 2016, Loren — who entered her first beauty pageant at the age of 14 — spoke about being in her 80s.

“When you are 20 years old, you don’t think that you will turn 80, but when you do, you still can’t believe it,” she said.

“My God, so many years went by, wow! I started when I was 15 years old, I was a little skinny little toothpick and then I grew and grew and grew!” the former Miss Italia finalist laughed.

Sophia loren 1968
Sophia Loren in 1968.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

In the interview, she also spoke about launching her career as a professional actress, giving a special mention to Italian star Marcello Mastroianni, whom she worked with on multiple films before rising to fame and signing a five-picture contract with Paramount Pictures in 1958.

“The most charming was Marcello Mastroianni,” she insisted. “He was somebody who was unique in my career because I worked with him for 20 and more years of my life.”

“So he was like my brother, he was like my husband; he was like everything for me. We knew each other so well and we worked together in such a wonderful way. We did one picture after another, and each one was a big success,” Loren said.

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