Cinema
Big doe eyes. Fabulous curves. Bewitching smile and ‘claws’ like a lioness. Farewell to the Bersagliera. Gina Lollobrigida was one of the last great icons of Italian cinema. From a student of Fine Arts in Subiaco to a global star. 'La Lollo', who died today at the age of 95, was born on July 4, the day of the declaration of independence in the United States.
This coincidence marked her long career: in Hollywood, she starred in so many films – alongside world-famous stars including Rock Hudson, Frank Sinatra, Anthony Quinn and Sean Connery – that she earned herself a permanent place among the greatest movie stars.
Dazzling beauty, breathtaking curves, the actress – who turned the heads of directors and actors of all ages (and not only) – collected 7 David di Donatello, 2 Silver Ribbons and a Golden Globe.
Dazzling beauty, breathtaking curves, the actress – who turned the heads of directors and actors of all ages (and not only) – collected 7 David di Donatello, 2 Silver Ribbons and a Golden Globe
She worked with great directors: Mario Monicelli, Steno, Germi, Mario Soldati. In 1972, she was the Blue Fairy in the successful The Adventures of Pinocchio by Luigi Comencini. Thus, after her success in the US, she became a movie star back home in Italy. A red carpet from Hollywood to Cinecittà. A booming career and a turbulent private life, her 'lioness-like' temperament was put to the test in her later years.
“I have the right to live but also to die in peace,” she confided to Mara Venier in an interview on Domenica In in November 2021. These sharp words referred to the actress's struggle with her family over her inheritance and the role of her manager Andrea Piazzolla, on trial on charges of circumvention of an incapacitated person.
I think I deserve some peace of mind and not to be treated like I am incapable, because I'm not
A year and a half earlier, she vented all her bitterness in a letter addressed to the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. “I have worked and represented Italy in the world for over 70 years, only to be treated disgracefully. I think I deserve some peace of mind and not to be treated like I am incapable, because I'm not. I waited for years because I believed in Italian justice. I was wrong and now they have taken it too far.” La Lollo's patience had run out.
Another life compared to just five years ago, when la Bersagliera celebrated her 90th birthday in the heart of Rome: embraced on the red carpet by the stars of television and politics. Gina Lollobrigida was an actress, sculptor, painter, photographer: having retired from acting, she worked as a photojournalist and in the 1970s even managed to interview Fidel Castro. 95 years and many lives. Goodbye Lollo, an unforgettable sex symbol.