Italian actress and bonafide screen goddess Sophia Loren made over 100 films in her 50-year career, remaining one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in the international film world. Much of her success could be found in the films of Italian director Vittorio De Sica, who called her "the essential Italian woman" and who captured her earthy, authentic sensibilities in romantic comedies and gut-wrenching dramas alike. While a cultural institution in her native country, Loren’s homeland appeal never fully translated to U.S. audiences, though she earned plenty of fans based on her
Moved to Rome with her mother at age 14 and a half to pursue modeling and acting career; met Carlo Ponti at age 15 (he was a judge in beauty contest she had entered)
1950
Feature acting debut, "Variety Lights"; played a bit part in film directed by Federico Fellini
1950
First film in which she and Marcello Mastroianna both appeared, "Cuori sul mare"
1952
Given the name "Sophia Loren", which had been thought up by a producer
