Anita Ekberg, Swedish-Italian model and actress (b. 1931)

Kerstin Anita Marianne Ekberg (Swedish pronunciation: [aˈnîːta ˈêːkbærj]), born on 29 September 1931 in Malmö, Sweden, and passing away on 11 January 2015 in Rocca di Papa, Italy, was a globally recognized Swedish actress and highly celebrated fashion model. Renowned for her striking beauty and formidable physical presence, she seamlessly transitioned from the world of beauty pageants to achieve significant acclaim in both American and European cinema. Her career was notably punctuated by her indelible and iconic portrayal of Sylvia in Federico Fellini's seminal 1960 film, La Dolce Vita.

Ekberg’s journey to stardom began in Sweden, where her captivating looks led her to win the Miss Sweden title in 1951. This victory subsequently propelled her to the United States to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. Although she did not win Miss Universe, her undeniable charisma and statuesque figure quickly caught the attention of Hollywood studios, leading to contracts with Universal Pictures, RKO Pictures, and later Paramount. During her early years in Hollywood, she appeared in various productions, often in decorative roles that leveraged her "bombshell" image, working alongside prominent figures like Bob Hope, Dean Martin, and Jerry Lewis.

It was her collaboration with the legendary Italian director Federico Fellini that truly cemented her place in cinematic history. Her role as Sylvia Rank, the enigmatic and captivating international star in La Dolce Vita, transcended mere beauty, embodying a sense of elusive allure and hedonistic abandon that defined an era. The film itself is a masterpiece of Italian neorealism, winning the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 1960 Cannes Film Festival and profoundly influencing subsequent generations of filmmakers. The most memorable sequence, which became instantly iconic, features Ekberg's character wading into Rome's historic Trevi Fountain alongside Marcello Mastroianni's character, Marcello Rubini. Despite the scene being filmed in the frigid winter, with Mastroianni reportedly wearing a wetsuit under his clothing, Ekberg famously claimed she felt no cold, a testament to her dedication and the magnetism of her performance. This particular scene, a symbol of Rome's post-war exuberance and a poignant reflection on modern life, remains one of the most celebrated moments in film history and is intrinsically linked to Ekberg's legacy.

After achieving global fame with La Dolce Vita, Anita Ekberg chose to make Italy her primary professional base and, ultimately, her home. She became a permanent resident of Italy in 1964, a testament to her deep connection with the country and its vibrant film industry. She continued to work extensively in European cinema, appearing in numerous Italian productions throughout the 1960s and beyond, though none quite matched the monumental impact of her role in Fellini's masterpiece. Her presence on screen was always compelling, often bringing a unique blend of glamour, vulnerability, and strength to her characters.

Anita Ekberg’s enduring legacy is that of a quintessential mid-20th-century beauty icon and a key figure in the golden age of European cinema. Her image, particularly from the Trevi Fountain scene, continues to be a powerful cultural reference, symbolizing a bygone era of glamour and artistic boldness. Her career, spanning several decades, saw her evolve from a Hollywood ingenue to an international star, forever remembered for her unforgettable contribution to film.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anita Ekberg

When was Anita Ekberg born and when did she pass away?
Anita Ekberg was born on September 29, 1931, in Malmö, Sweden, and passed away on January 11, 2015, in Rocca di Papa, Italy.
What was Anita Ekberg's most famous role?
Her most famous and iconic role was as Sylvia in Federico Fellini's 1960 film La Dolce Vita, particularly noted for the memorable Trevi Fountain scene.
Was Anita Ekberg originally from Hollywood?
No, Anita Ekberg was Swedish. Her career began in Sweden as a model before she moved to Hollywood after winning Miss Sweden and competing in Miss Universe. She later established her career primarily in Italy.
What is the significance of the Trevi Fountain scene with Anita Ekberg?
The Trevi Fountain scene in La Dolce Vita is one of the most iconic moments in cinema history, symbolizing the film's themes of pleasure, desire, and the ephemeral nature of fame. It cemented Ekberg's status as a global sex symbol and a timeless beauty icon.
Did Anita Ekberg become an Italian citizen?
Anita Ekberg became a permanent resident of Italy in 1964, where she lived for the remainder of her life, deeply integrating into the country's culture and film industry.