The highest-profile European actress passed away at the age of 95. RIP…
Gina Lollobrigida was an Italian actress, politician, and photojournalist. Her famous projects include Sophia Lauren, Fanfan la Tulipe, Beat the Devil, Trapeze and Buona Sera, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Crossed Swords.
After stepping away from her film career, Lollobrigida moved into politics and photography.
“Last September, she failed in a bid to win a seat in the Italian parliament for a leftist political party at national elections,” per Reuters.
As reported by Variety, “According to Italian news agency Lapresse, Lollobrigida died in a clinic in Rome. No cause of death has been cited. In September, she had had surgery to repair a thigh bone broken in a fall, but she recovered and competed for a Senate seat in Italy’s elections held last year in September, though she did not win.”
Her nephew, Francesco Lollobrigida, the Italian Minister of Agriculture wrote on Twitter,
“Today #GinaLollobrigida has disappeared, one of the brightest stars of Italian cinematography and culture. Incomparable champion, icon of beauty and versatility, extraordinary woman and professional. She will continue to live on and inspire through her works.”
La Lollo went through surgery after she had a major fall that got her thigh bone broke. The surgery was successful, though, and she returned home safely to recover.
Gina began her acting career in the 1940s, and by the 1950s, she was one of the most famous and demanded actresses in Europe.
The Italian native made her English film debut in 1953 by starring in the film, Beat the Devil, next to Humphrey Bogart and Jennifer Jones.
She was also known as the Mona Lisa of the 20th century due to her attractive looks and charismatic personality.
Following the news of her death, many people including various celebrities took to Twitter and expressed their grief and condolences.
“My dearest #GinaLollobrigida I consider it a privilege to have crossed paths with you so many times. Whenever we met, the atmosphere was always joyful but I would still shake with nerves every time thinking about the person in front of me and knowing what you had achieved,” Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli wrote.
“Bugs me when an actress dies & people only post young pictures. I want to be like Gina Lollobrigida, not because she was dubbed “the most beautiful woman in the world” in the ’50s, but because she ran for the Italian senate at 95. Rest in peace,” someone wrote.
“So sad to hear of the passing of talented and beautiful Gina Lollobrigida, July 4, 1927-January 16, 2023. She’s pictured here with my father in NEVER SO FEW..we’ve lost another link to the Golden Age of Hollywood,” another added.
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