Born on September 29, 1931, in Malmö, Sweden, Anita Ekberg grew up in a modest household as the sixth of eight children. Though her early years gave little hint of the international fame that awaited her, her striking beauty set her apart from an early age.
Her journey to stardom began in 1950 when she won the title of Miss Sweden. While she didn’t take home the Miss Universe crown, her participation in the pageant proved to be a turning point. The exposure brought her to Hollywood, where her captivating presence quickly caught the eye of industry insiders. This newfound recognition opened doors in modeling and acting, setting the stage for her entertainment career.
Breaking into Hollywood
Ekberg’s Hollywood debut came in the mid-1950s with supporting roles in films such as Blood Alley (1955), where she appeared alongside John Wayne and Lauren Bacall, and the comedy Artists and Models (1955), starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Her Nordic beauty and statuesque elegance earned her the nickname “The Iceberg,” reinforcing her image as a classic Hollywood bombshell. Popular media, including Playboy, frequently featured her, further cementing her status as a pop culture sensation.
La Dolce Vita and Global Stardom
However, it was her role in Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita (1960) that made her an international icon. Her portrayal of Sylvia, the enchanting yet elusive starlet, captured the essence of celebrity allure and mystery. The film’s most legendary moment—Ekberg wading through Rome’s Trevi Fountain in a flowing black gown—became one of the most enduring images in cinematic history.
Despite the worldwide recognition La Dolce Vita brought her, the role also led to typecasting, with many directors offering her parts that emphasized her glamorous persona. While this limited her opportunities for more diverse roles, Ekberg embraced the fame it afforded her, understanding the power of the image she had cultivated.
Life in Italy and Career Beyond Hollywood
Choosing to remain in Italy after her rise to stardom, Ekberg found greater creative freedom outside Hollywood’s constraints. She appeared in notable European films such as Boccaccio ’70 (1962), an anthology featuring works by Fellini and Vittorio De Sica, and 4 for Texas (1963), where she reunited with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Though filmmakers often cast her in roles that leaned into her seductive image, she maintained a strong presence in European cinema, solidifying her legacy as a screen siren of her era.
«She Doesn’t Look Like Herself Anymore,» Lady Gaga’s Latest Photo Causes a Stir
Lady Gaga celebrated her 38th birthday with a casual photo posted on her Instagram. The star appeared utterly radiant with bleached eyebrows and long blonde hair. While fans gushed about her beauty, many also noted that she looked unrecognizable.
The Born This Way singer posted a natural snapshot while sitting in her car, where she was seen making the peace sign and softly smiling at the camera. She displayed her long blonde locks, which gracefully framed her face. Her eyebrows, seemingly bleached to match the hue of her hair, added to the ethereal beauty of her appearance.
Collin Xavier/Image Press Agency ABACA/Abaca/East News
The star shared a positive and bright caption next to her photo, saying, ’’Today has been so special—I can’t remember a time I was so happy on my bday.’’ She added, ’’I feel like my heart is bursting with gratitude for my own health and MUSIC.’’
She also hinted that she’s working on new music, noting, ’’I am writing some of my best music in as long as I can remember.’’
Jordan Strauss/Invision/East News
Lady Gaga’s post has already amassed over a million likes within the first few days of being uploaded. Fans flooded the comments section, showering her with birthday wishes and admiration for her natural appearance. One enthusiastic fan even exclaimed, «Can we say how this hair is your best hair in years?»
However, others were more doubtful about her appearance, as one person noted, «She doesn’t look like herself anymore,» and another added, «Her natural lips were beautiful.» Another online user felt that this look made her appear older than her age, saying, «She must be 50.»
Another star who looked different recently is Meg Ryan. After her latest red-carpet appearance, fans praised the stunning actress for looking natural and finally looking her age at 62.
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