Born on September 29, 1931, in Malmö, Sweden, Anita Ekberg grew up in a modest household as the sixth of eight children. Though her early years gave little hint of the international fame that awaited her, her striking beauty set her apart from an early age.
Her journey to stardom began in 1950 when she won the title of Miss Sweden. While she didn’t take home the Miss Universe crown, her participation in the pageant proved to be a turning point. The exposure brought her to Hollywood, where her captivating presence quickly caught the eye of industry insiders. This newfound recognition opened doors in modeling and acting, setting the stage for her entertainment career.
Breaking into Hollywood
Ekberg’s Hollywood debut came in the mid-1950s with supporting roles in films such as Blood Alley (1955), where she appeared alongside John Wayne and Lauren Bacall, and the comedy Artists and Models (1955), starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Her Nordic beauty and statuesque elegance earned her the nickname “The Iceberg,” reinforcing her image as a classic Hollywood bombshell. Popular media, including Playboy, frequently featured her, further cementing her status as a pop culture sensation.
La Dolce Vita and Global Stardom
However, it was her role in Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita (1960) that made her an international icon. Her portrayal of Sylvia, the enchanting yet elusive starlet, captured the essence of celebrity allure and mystery. The film’s most legendary moment—Ekberg wading through Rome’s Trevi Fountain in a flowing black gown—became one of the most enduring images in cinematic history.
Despite the worldwide recognition La Dolce Vita brought her, the role also led to typecasting, with many directors offering her parts that emphasized her glamorous persona. While this limited her opportunities for more diverse roles, Ekberg embraced the fame it afforded her, understanding the power of the image she had cultivated.
Life in Italy and Career Beyond Hollywood
Choosing to remain in Italy after her rise to stardom, Ekberg found greater creative freedom outside Hollywood’s constraints. She appeared in notable European films such as Boccaccio ’70 (1962), an anthology featuring works by Fellini and Vittorio De Sica, and 4 for Texas (1963), where she reunited with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Though filmmakers often cast her in roles that leaned into her seductive image, she maintained a strong presence in European cinema, solidifying her legacy as a screen siren of her era.
‘Home Alone’ Star Macaulay Culkin Got Slammed After Gaining Some Weight
Macaulay Culkin playing resort staff at Brenda Song’s birthday getaway has everyone talking online. People are buzzing about his new look, as his physique drew a wave of reactions and some bad comments.
Amidst laughter and cheer, Macaulay Culkin, the beloved star of Home Alone at 43, recently delighted fans with a whimsical display alongside his fiancée, Brenda Song. Sharing a delightful array of snapshots on Instagram, the couple celebrated Song’s birthday in style at the luxurious Nobu resort in Los Cabos.
In the images, Culkin playfully assumed various staff personas, from a poolside server to a jovial bellhop, all in good spirits. The accompanying caption humorously revealed that his impromptu “employment” was inspired by a shirt he stumbled upon in the resort’s gift shop, sparking a wave of both admiration and playful banter among their followers.
“Since now I looked like the staff I decided to spend my four days there masquerading as a: Poolside waiter, Housekeeper, Cabana boy, Room service attendant, Bellhop,” Macaulay wrote. He also gave a shoutout to the resort for the awesome stay, jokingly mentioning how the shirt made him feel like he fit right in.
Among all the posts celebrating Brenda’s special day, Macaulay’s comedic one stole the spotlight, but not without sparking a conversation about his weight. “Looks like you put on a few pounds there, huh,” noted one social media user, which triggered an outpouring of support from fans defending the actor.
“Being happy in your life with your family does that sometimes!” exclaimed one fan, while another emphasized the naturalness of physical changes, stating, “He is alive isn’t he?! If he was too skinny like he was, people [would] be judging him on that. This is what happens when most get clean. They gain weight. He is so happy now. Let him enjoy his life.”
Apart from his talents as an actor, Macaulay also shines as a devoted companion to his love, Brenda Song.
Preview photo credit culkamania / Instagram
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