Loren, Sophia (1934-…), is an internationally famous Italian motion-picture star known for her beauty and sex appeal. Although she first gained attention for her looks, she eventually gained recognition as a skilled actress. Loren won the 1961 Academy Award as best actress for her powerful performance as a mother during World War II (1939-1945) in the Italian drama Two Women.
Loren was born on Sept. 20, 1934, into a poor family in Rome. Her real name was Sofia Scicolone. As a teenager, she earned a living entering beauty contests and modeling until she met movie producer Carlo Ponti. Ponti signed her to a movie contract in 1952, and she began appearing in minor roles. Performances in such movies as The Gold of Naples (1954) and Woman of the River (1955) made her a star. She made several American films in Europe before going to Hollywood. In the United States, she received a huge publicity campaign designed to make her an international sex symbol. Loren appeared in several movies made in Hollywood, most of them inferior. Her performance in Two Women earned her respect as an actress. She showed her talent as a comedian in two Italian movies, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1963) and Marriage Italian Style (1964). Her film career declined in the 1980’s, but she reappeared in the 1990’s and 2000’s in such American films as Ready to Wear (1994), Grumpier Old Men (1995), and Nine (2009).
Loren married Carlo Ponti in 1957. The marriage was annulled in 1962, and they remarried in 1966. Loren’s memoirs were published in Sophia: Living and Loving (1979).
