Anita Ekberg was a Swedish actress and model best known for her unforgettable role in Federico Fellini’s classic film La Dolce Vita (1960). Born on September 29, 1931, in Malmö, Sweden, Ekberg began her career as a model and won the title of Miss Sweden in 1950. This victory led her to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, which, although she did not win, opened the doors to Hollywood. With her striking beauty and captivating presence, she quickly became one of the most sought-after actresses of the 1950s and 1960s.

Ekberg’s Hollywood career saw her star in films such as Blood Alley (1955) with John Wayne and War and Peace (1956), where she played the seductive Helene Kuragina. However, it was in Italy that she found her greatest success. Her role as Sylvia in La Dolce Vita made her an international icon, especially the famous scene where she wades through Rome’s Trevi Fountain in a glamorous black dress. This moment cemented her place in cinematic history and made her a symbol of beauty and elegance.

Despite her success, Ekberg’s career faced challenges as she struggled to find roles that matched the impact of La Dolce Vita. She continued acting in Italian and European films throughout the 1960s and 1970s but never achieved the same level of fame in Hollywood again. However, she embraced life in Italy, making Rome her home and becoming part of the country’s film culture. She worked with Fellini again in films like Intervista (1987), proving her enduring connection to the legendary director.

Ekberg’s later years were marked by financial difficulties and health problems, but she remained a beloved figure in the world of cinema. She often spoke fondly of her career and her time in Hollywood but admitted she had no regrets about leaving it behind. Despite her challenges, she continued to be recognized for her contributions to film, appearing at festivals and retrospectives celebrating her work.

Anita Ekberg passed away on January 11, 2015, at the age of 83. Though she starred in many films throughout her career, she will always be remembered most for her enchanting presence in La Dolce Vita, which continues to captivate audiences to this day. Her legacy as one of the great screen sirens of cinema remains intact, with her image forever immortalized in one of the most iconic scenes in film history.