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.
“Inappropriate for Her Age,” Christie Brinkley Gets Criticized for Wearing an Extremely High-Slit Dress at 70
70-year-old Christie Brinkley exuded beauty and class as she attended a party on Thursday night. While all eyes were on her, some people didn’t fully agree with her choice of outfit, deeming it too revealing for her age.
The model recently attended the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue launch party to celebrate the publication’s 60th anniversary edition.
Brinkley stunned in a $225 gown that featured a thigh-high slit and extra-long, dramatic sleeves gracefully reaching the floor. As she posed for the cameras, the billowing fabric danced in the wind, enhancing her stunning presence.
Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection/East News
Fans showered the gorgeous model with compliments, praising her for looking radiant and beaming. One person noted, “Stunning as always,” and another added, “I’ve got to give it to her, she looks awesome in this dress!”
That said, the appeal of the dress wasn’t unanimous, as some deemed it too daring. A person remarked, “She is dressed inappropriately for her age. No need to have a slit up to there! She is a grandma…” Another observer expressed their opinion, saying, “She used to be so classy and beautiful, now just desperate.”
We think that Brinkley looks fabulous, and her confidence only adds to her undeniable beauty. Another older star who recently stunned with her appearance is Jane Fonda. Take a look at the 86-year-old’s appearance at Cannes 2024.
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