ITALIAN movie star Gina Lollobrigida has sadly passed away at the age of 95.
Once dubbed “the most beautiful woman in the world”, Gina achieved international film stardom during the 1950s – by her side was her husband, Milko Skofic.
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Who was Gina Lollobrigida?
Gina Lollobrigida, born July 4, 1927, was an Italian icon who enjoyed a successful film career.
Born in Subiaco, Gina was the daughter of a furniture maker and his wife.
She was raised alongside her three sisters, Giuliana, Maria and Fernanda.
Before entering the world of film, Gina started out modelling and participating in beauty contests.
Then, in 1946, she landed her first movie role.
Her career began to rise when she came third in the Miss Italia pageant – gaining national attention and soon finding fame.
And it wasn’t long before Hollywood came knocking and Howard Hughes signed her onto a contract to make movies with RKO.
Her biggest titles include movies such as Solomon and Sheba, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and a critically acclaimed performance in Bread, Love and Dreams.
Famed for her enchanting looks and sharp wit, she also appeared in Beautiful But Dangerous.
The movie’s original title which was – La donna più bella del mondo – presented her as “The World’s Most Beautiful Woman”.
Speaking about the effect she often had on people, she said in 2000: “I’ve had many lovers and still have romances. I am very spoiled.
“All my life, I’ve had too many admirers.”
Gina starred in dozens of movies between 1946 and 1969 – earning seven David di Donatello awards during her career, which are Italy’s equivalent to an Oscar.
Her illustrious career saw her co-star with Frank Sinatra in Never So Few, and perform alongside Humphrey Bogart in Beat the Devil.
She also starred opposite Errol Flynn in Crossed Swords, and worked with Sean Connery in Woman of Straw.
However, in the years following, Gina’s movie career slowed down and she officially retired from the star-studded industry in 1997.
It was during that time Gina focused on a new career path working as a photojournalist – as well as having a handful of appearances on TV.
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In the 1970s she achieved a huge scoop when she gained access to Fidel Castro for an exclusive interview.
She also captured pictures of some of the most famous people in the world including Audrey Hepburn, Salvador Dali, Henry Kissinger and Ella Fitzgerald.
And her career ambitions didn’t stop there – in 1999, Gina entered the world of politics.
She unsuccessfully ran for office twice before her passing – including trying to win a seat in the 2022 Italian General election.
Who is Gina Lollobrigida’s ex-husband Milko Skofic?
Gina Lollobrigida’s husband Milko Skofic was a physician from Slovenia.
The couple wed in 1949 before welcoming their only child Andrea Milko (Milko Škofič, Jr.) into the world on July 28, 1957.
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With his wife being an successful actress, Skofic decided to leave his medical career behind and became Gina’s manager.
Three years after the birth of their son, Gina, Skofic and Milko Jr. left Italy and relocated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Just over a decade later the couple called time on their marriage, divorcing in 1971.
When did Gina Lollobrigida die?
On Monday, January 16, 2023, Gina Lollobrigida passed away in Rome, at the age of 95.
Before her death, Gina’s health had took a turn.
In September, the 95-year-old had surgery to repair a thigh bone broken in a fall.
She returned home and said she had quickly resumed walking – but was hospitalised again before her death.
Gina had reportedly been hospitalised for some before she passed away in Rome, according to Italian media.
At the time of her death, Lollobrigida was among the last living high-profile international actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema.
Her final performance saw her appear in the Italian comedy Box Office 3D: The Filmest of Films in 2011 – a satire of Hollywood blockbusters, in which she starred as herself.
She is survived by her son, Milko, and grandson, Dimitri.
Where is Milko Skofic now?
After Gina and Milko divorced, it appears her ex-husband stayed out of the spotlight.
Not much known about him in the years that followed.
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