Italian screen legend Gina Lollobrigida died at the age of 95.
Lollobrigida’s grandnephew, Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, confirmed her death Monday and referenced her as “one of the brightest stars of Italian cinematography and culture.” Lollobrigida’s former lawyer, Giulia Citani, confirmed the actress passed away in a clinic in Rome, according to Reuters. The details surrounding her cause of death have not been reported at this time. (RELATED: Celebrities Mourn The Loss Of Lisa Marie Presley)
Oggi è scomparsa #GinaLollobrigida, una delle stelle più luminose della cinematografia e della cultura italiana. Ineguagliabile fuoriclasse, icona di bellezza e versatilità, donna e professionista straordinaria. Continuerà a vivere e ispirare attraverso le sue opere. pic.twitter.com/fEW9gVFuEi
— Francesco Lollobrigida 🇮🇹 (@FrancescoLollo1) January 16, 2023
Lollobrigida, affectionately known as “La Lollo” in Italy, trained as a sculptor and painter. She went on to become a beauty queen, a successful model and a sultry actress, according to Reuters. She made her first film appearance in 1946 in “The Bald Eagle,” and was a huge star in Europe by the early 1950s, according to CNN. She made her English-language film debut in 1953 in “Beat the Devil,” alongside Humphrey Bogart and Jennifer Jones.
Lollabrigida’s acting credits also include a recurring role in the soap opera “Falcon Crest,” in 1984. During the course of her very successful career, she starred opposite Hollywood greats Frank Sinatra, Rock Hudson and Burt Lancaster, according to CBC.
Italian star Gina Lollobrigida dies aged 95 https://t.co/nWJDwAuKdx
— The Guardian (@guardian) January 16, 2023
When acting roles began to dwindle in the 1970s, Lollabrigida forged a new career as a photojournalist and did well for herself, according to CNN. She occasionally appeared in film and on TV, most famously in a recurring role in US prime-time soap “Falcon Crest” in 1984.
Italian culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano took to Twitter in honor of Lollobrigida’s memory.
Addio ad una diva del grande schermo, protagonista di oltre mezzo secolo di storia del cinema italiano. Il suo fascino resterà eterno.
Ciao Lollo. pic.twitter.com/LbHf2MMXFy— Gennaro Sangiuliano (@g_sangiuliano) January 16, 2023
“Farewell to a diva of the big screen, protagonist of more than half a century of the Italian film history. Her charm will remain immortal. Ciao Lollo,” he said.