Since this is one of those years when Independence Day and the Fourth of July fall on the same day, thus canceling each other out, today is, by default,
INTERNATIONAL GINA LOLLOBRIGIDA DAY!
Born on July 4, 1927 in Subiaco, Italy, Luigina Lollobrigida was director Robert Z. Leonard’s only choice to play “The World’s Most Beautiful Woman,” and there are few who would argue with his assessment.
Gina began her career in her home province with modeling and participation in several beauty contests, which led her to appear in Italian films just after World War 2.
Her beauty, talent and delightful personality soon made her one of the most famous women on earth. She worked in the Italian and French film industries, and turned down Howard Hughes’ invitation to work in Hollywood in 1950, preferring to remain in Europe, but would soon conquer American film audiences as well, beginning with the John Huston-directed 1953 English language film “Beat The Devil,” opposite Humphrey Bogart.
That led to more American films and a global fascination with “La Lollo,” truly one of the most beautiful women alive.
When starring film roles began drying up in the 1970s, this artist turned to sculpture, photojournalism and activism, where she also excelled. Her sculptures have been shown successfully on 4 continents, and her photojournalism led her to gain an exclusive interview with Fidel Castro in the early 1970s.
She lived in retirement at her ranch in Sicily, and recently sold her jewelry collection and donated $5 million to stem cell research. In January of 2023, Ms Lollogbrigida passed away at age 95 in Rome. If ever there was a woman and a life worth celebrating, it is Gina Lollobrigida.
•Suggested Activities: Respectful worship.