OPEN POST: Screen Siren Sophia Loren Turns 90 today.

Sophia Loren, born Sofia Costanza Brigida Villani Scicolone on September 20, 1934, in Rome, Italy, is an iconic Italian actress with a career spanning over seven decades. Despite her humble beginnings in poverty during World War II in Pozzuoli, she has become a legendary figure in international cinema. 

Loren's acting journey began in 1950 with a minor role in "Quo Vadis." Her breakthrough came with "Aida" in 1953, propelling her to stardom as one of Italy's most prominent actresses. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she starred in numerous successful films, including "Two Women" (1960), for which she made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in a non-English-language role.

Sophia Loren's commanding presence and natural Italian fiery sensuality made her a celebrated sex symbol during the golden age of Hollywood. Her roles in films like "The Gold of Naples" (1954), "The Pride and the Passion" (1957), and "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" (1963) solidified her status as a charismatic sex symbol. Even in her later years, she continued to be cast in alluring roles, showcasing her enduring sex appeal that captivated audiences. Sophia appeared less frequently in films from the 1980s onward. However, she made notable comebacks with projects like "Ready to Wear" (1994) and "Nine" (2009).

Loren's love life was nothing like her career; it was messy and scandalous. Her relationship with film producer Carlo Ponti, whom she met at 14 during a beauty contest, played a crucial role in her career. Despite a 20-year age gap, Ponti mentored and guided her, leveraging his connections to propel her to international stardom. Together, they collaborated on 37 movies, with Ponti as the producer and Loren as the star, achieving significant success despite facing challenges in their personal lives.

Loren's marriage to Ponti faced legal hurdles due to Italy's strict divorce laws, leading to public scrutiny, religious opposition, and legal battles. Technically, he was still married even though he and his wife had lived separately and estranged for decades. That's another soap opera worthy of a five-part article or novella. Eventually, they became French citizens in 1965 and officially married in 1966, overcoming these obstacles and remaining together until he died in 2007.

Loren's most recent and potentially final significant film role was in "The Life Ahead" (2020), directed by her son Edoardo Ponti. In this critically acclaimed Netflix film, the 86-year-old Loren portrayed Madame Rosa, a Holocaust survivor who forms an unlikely bond with a young black immigrant boy. This performance marked Loren's return to the screen after a decade-long absence and was praised for its depth and emotional resonance. The film showcased Loren's enduring talent and ability to connect with audiences across generations. While it's not definitively stated to be her final role, given Loren's age (now 90) and the significant gap before this film, it is likely one of her last central acting performances. The critical success and personal connection of working with her son make it a fitting potential capstone to her legendary career spanning over seven decades.

photos:Getty, Netflix, Shutterstock