Anita Ekberg

 

Kerstin Anita Marianne Ekberg (Swedish pronunciation (listen) 29 September 1931 11 January 2015) was a Swedish actress in American and European films, renowned for her beautiful and stunning body. Her character as Sylvia in Federico Fellini's movie La Dolce Vita (1960), made her well-known. Ekberg was primarily employed in Italy where she became a permanent residence in the year 1964. Anita Ekberg was the sixth of eight children. Anita was a fashion model throughout her teens. Ekberg entered the Miss Malmo competition in 1950 at her mother's urging. The contest was won by her in the Miss Sweden contest. Despite speaking little English, Ekberg went to the United States to compete for the Miss Universe 1951 title. This was an official pageant in the year 1951. The pageant was officially made official in 1952. Ekberg didn't win the Miss Universe pageant. However she was among six Finalists. Universal Studios offered her the chance to sign a starlet contract. Ekberg was an Universal starlet where she learned dance, drama, and elocution. She did a brief appearance in The Mississippi Gambler (1953), Abbott and Costello go to Mars (1953), Take Me to Town (1953) and The Golden Blade (53).