Anita Ekberg

 

Kerstin Marianne Ekberg (Swedish pronunciation (listen) 29 September 1931-11 January 2015) was an Swedish actress best known for her beautiful physique and attractive appearance. Her role as Sylvia in Federico Fellini's movie La Dolce Vita (1960), made her well-known. Ekberg was primarily employed in Italy which was her permanent residence in 1964. Anita Ekberg was the sixth of eight children. Anita worked as fashion model throughout her teens. Ekberg entered the Miss Malmo competition in 1950 following the advice of her mother. She was crowned the Miss Sweden contest. Although she was not fluent in English She travelled to the United States to compete to take home the Miss Universe title for 1951. While it was a non-formal pageant but the official pageant was formalized in 1952. Ekberg did not win the title of Miss Universe winner, but she was among six finalist. The contestant did get the contract of Universal Studios as a starlet. As the starlet at Universal she was given lessons in elocution, drama horseback riding, dancing and fencing. She briefly appeared in The Mississippi Gambler (1953), Abbott and Costello go to Mars (1953), Take Me to Town (1953), and The Golden Blade (53).