September 29, 1931 – January 11, 2015
Gorgeous Swedish actress Anita Ekberg best known for the Fellini film La Dolce Gilda Vita, is dead.
In 1956 RKO cast her in Back from Eternity.
RKO
She died on January 11, 2015 in at the clinic San Raffaele in Rocca di Papa, outside of Rome.
She was 83.
In (an) interview, published in connection with Ekberg’s 75th birthday, she said she wasn’t afraid of death.
I’m just angry because I won’t get the chance to tell others about death, where the soul goes and if there is a life afterward,’ she was quoted as saying. “I don’t know if paradise or hell exist, but I’m sure hell is more groovy.”
SourceThe Daily Mail
Two things about Anita really stood out.
“When you’re born beautiful, it helps you start in the business. But then it becomes a handicap.”
Source NPR
From Wikipedia:
In later years, it was reported that the 80-year-old Ekberg was “destitute” following three months in a hospital with a broken thigh in Rimini, during which her home was robbed and badly damaged in a fire. Ekberg applied for help from the Fellini Foundation, itself in difficult financial straits.
In her personal life, there were reported affairs with Sinatra, Rod Taylor, Errol Flynn, Gary Cooper, Tyrone Power and Yul Brynner. All dead. Coincidence? I think not.
Mark my words, one day we will know about the Anita Ekberg Death Curse. You will be forced to watch Abbott and Costello Go to Mars on a loop.
From a 70’s Tabloid. Thanks, Richard
RIP
Anita Ekberg like I need a hole in the head.
What was Anita like? At one time, she was very pretty. What did she die of? Please contact me soon. Best Wishes to Everyone. Sincerely, Tom
Amusing Note: When La Dolce Vita was released in the USA it was considered “shocking” but would not raise an eyebrow today. I was still in high school and went to see it, and was thoroughly entertained. Anita was in her element as the bosomy blonde. That film will be her monument (or maybe I should say monuments).