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.
Mick Jagger and Bianca’s Divorce in 1978: A look back after 46 years
Mick Jagger is famously known for his romantic escapades, but during the 1970s, his marriage to his first wife, Bianca, captured significant attention. Curious about what Bianca is up to these days?
The Rolling Stones, established in 1962, have become an iconic presence in rock music. At 80, Mick Jagger remains a legendary figure, further cemented by being knighted by Queen Elizabeth II two decades ago.
Co-founding the band alongside Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Keith Richards, Jagger has seen many changes over the years. With Watts passing away in 2021 and Jones no longer with the band, the current lineup includes Jagger, Richards, and bassist Ronnie Wood, 76. They continue to tour and recently released “Hackney Diamonds”, their first album of new material in 18 years, featuring collaborations with stars like Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Lady Gaga.
Over the past six decades, Jagger’s fame has kept his personal life in the limelight, especially with his eight children. His eldest daughter, Karis, was born in 1969, and his youngest, Deveraux, was born in December 2016.
Mick married Bianca Pérez-Mora Macías in 1971 in a star-studded ceremony in Saint-Tropez. They welcomed their daughter, Jade, who is now 52 and known for her work in interior and jewelry design. Bianca became a socialite and was often in the news, notably for a legendary story about arriving at her birthday party on a white horse at Studio 54. She later clarified that it was a surprise orchestrated by Steve Rubell, co-founder of the club, inspired by a photo of her on a horse in Nicaragua.
While both Jagger and Bianca had affairs during their marriage, it ultimately led to their separation. Bianca filed for divorce after Mick briefly dated model Jerry Hall. Their divorce was finalized in 1978, with Bianca receiving a settlement of $1.2 million, as reported by New York Magazine. Reflecting on the split, she expressed to The Guardian that it felt like a failure, stating: “I was brought up Catholic, to believe that marriage is for life. And we failed”.
After her marriage ended, Bianca shifted her focus from partying to activism, championing the rights of vulnerable individuals through Amnesty International. Her efforts earned her the Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the “alternative Nobel Prize”, in 2004 for using her fame to advocate for those in need.
Today, Mick Jagger is in a committed relationship with American choreographer Melanie Hamrick, 36. They have been together for a decade and share a son. Are you aware of Bianca Jagger’s remarkable humanitarian efforts? Share your thoughts in the comments! Feel free to pass this article along to anyone interested in where these rock legends are now!
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