Anita Ekberg

Birth Name:

Kerstin Anita Marianne Ekberg

Birth Place:

Malmö, Sweden

Profession

Actress

Traveled overseas to entertain American troops during the 1950s, with Bob Hope introducing her as "the greatest thing to come from Sweden since smorgasbord․"
Began modeling as a teenager, which later led to her being named Miss Sweden
Made her screen acting debut in the film "Abbott and Costello Go to Mars" in 1953
Was a special guest at the Miss America pageant, which won her an American modeling contract and jumpstarted her acting career
Quote: "When you're born beautiful, it helps you start in the business․ But then it becomes a handicap․"
Quote: "[on if she was lonely, on her 80th birthday] "[Yes, a bit․] But I have no regrets․ I have loved, cried, been mad with happiness․ I have won and I have lost․""
Best known for playing Sylvia in "La Dolce Vita" and Helene Kuragina in 1956's "War and Peace․"

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