Monday, January 16, 2023 Italian actress Gina Lollobrigida died at the age of 95. She was born Luigia Lollobrigida to Giovanni Lollobrigida and Giuseppina Mercuri on July 4, 1927 in Subiaco, Italy which is in the region of Lazio. 

Lollobrigida would later become one of the most famous actresses in Italian cinema. She began to make movies shortly after the Second World War. In 1955 she was named the “World’s Most Beautiful Woman”. She began to star alongside world renowned names such as Burt Lancaster, Frank Sinatra, Rock Hudson and Anthony Quinn. In 1968 she starred in the movie “Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell” with Telly Savalas, Phil Silvers and Peter Lawford. This was the original inspiration for the movie and play Mamma Mia. 

In 1975 she wrote, directed and produced a documentary named “Ritratto di Fidel” which was based on her interview with Cuban Communist leader Fidel Castro. As her life went on she had many achievements in European film. 

When asked how she felt about being viewed as a sex symbol, she said, “Why should I be offended? It’s not an insult.” 

Gina Lollobrigida will forever be remembered for her contribution to American and Italian film culture.