Anita Ekberg

1931 - 2015

Anita Ekberg

1931 - 2015

BORN

1931

DIED

2015

Anita Ekberg Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 11, 2015.
MILAN (AP) - Anita Ekberg, the Swedish-born actress and sex-symbol of the 1950s and '60s who was immortalized bathing in the Trevi fountain in "La Dolce Vita," has died. She was 83.

Ekberg's lawyer Patrizia Ubaldi confirmed she died in Rome Sunday morning following a series of illnesses. She had been hospitalized most recently after Christmas.

Ubaldi said that in her last days Ekberg was saddened by the illness and her advancing age.

"She had hoped to get better, something that didn't happen," she said.

Ekberg had long lived in Italy, the country that gave her worldwide fame thanks to the iconic dip opposite Marcello Mastroianni. The scene where the blond bombshell, clad in a black dress, her arms wide open, calls out "Marcello" remains one of the most famous images in film history.

Her curvaceous body and glamorous social life made her a favorite of tabloid press in the 1950s and 1960s. She married twice but never had children - a fact she came to regret later in her life. Some gossip magazines called her "The Iceberg" in a nod to her Scandinavian background.

But even as she became one of Sweden's most famous exports, Ekberg maintained a problematic relation with her native country. She never starred in a Swedish film and was often at odds with Swedish journalists, who criticized her for leaving the country and ridiculed her for adopting an American accent.

Born on Sept. 29, 1931, in the southern city of Malmo, Ekberg grew up with seven siblings.

In 1951 she won the Miss Sweden competition, after being recommended to enter by organizers who saw her on the street, and went to the United States to compete for the Miss Universe title.

She didn't win but became a model in Hollywood and later started taking on small acting roles.

Her role in Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" - where she played a movie star - shot her to stardom. The movie was a colossal success and came to define the wild and carefree days of the early 1960s.

Hosting a Swedish radio program in 2005, Ekberg recalled shooting the scene in the Trevi Fountain in Rome. She said it was shot in February, the water in the fountain was cold and Mastroianni was falling over in the fountain drunk on vodka.

"And there I was. I was freezing," she said. "They had to lift me out of the water because I couldn't feel my legs anymore."

"I have seen that scene a few times. Maybe too many times. I can't stand watching it anymore, but it was beautiful at the time," she said.

Ekberg remained in Italy for years, appearing in scores of movies, many forgettable. She returned in two Fellini movies: "Clowns" and "Intervista."

Ekberg married Briton Anthony Steel in 1956, but divorced him four years later. In 1963 she married again to actor Rik van Nutter, but that marriage also failed.

In an interview with Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet in 2006, Ekberg said her only regret in life was never having children.

"I would have liked to have a child, preferably a son," she was quoted as saying. "It didn't turn out that way. That's life, you just have to accept it."

In the interview, published in connection with Ekberg's 75th birthday, she also 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."

Ubaldi said a ceremony would be held in the coming days at a Lutheran church in Rome, and that Ekberg had specified that her remains be cremated.

___

COLLEEN BARRY, Associated Press


Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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September 29, 2016

gina consolini posted to the memorial.

January 19, 2016

Roxanne Smith posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

46 Entries

gina consolini

September 29, 2016

What a beautiful lady!
god bless you.

Roxanne Smith

January 19, 2016

She was a unique light, and she'll be shining forever.

January 11, 2016

February 7, 2015

Offering my deepest sympathy to the family of Anita Ekberg. May the peace of a God comfort you and may God grant you strength to endure through this most difficult time.

Lena Williams

January 30, 2015

Rest in peace.

BETTYANN CAPOGRECO

January 24, 2015

DEAREST MISS EKBERG :

WE WILL MISS YOU. I NEVER SAW ANY OF YOUR MOVIES BUT I KNOW THEY WERE GOOD.

January 20, 2015

She was unique and a beauty. I was one of many who would have wished to have her as a friend. Carl Miller, Columbus, Ohio

The Carter Family

January 16, 2015

Sadly we say goodbye to Anita Ekberg and a life well lived. No more sickness for you, Anita. Sleep peacefully until you receive the promise of endless life in perfect health surrounded by those who love God and neighbor. (John 6:40) Family members, our heartfelt condolences for your loss, and may the God of all comfort provide you with the support you need to get through this difficult time!

January 16, 2015

ms ekberg was one of my favorite actresses may she r.i.p.

Cheryl Polk

January 16, 2015

God strengthen you in this hour and in the moments to come. Sorry for your loss!

G J.

January 15, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sympathy. May God give you all peace in this time of sorrow. Rom 15:33.

January 14, 2015

My condolences to the family, May the God of tender mercies comfort you.

January 14, 2015

My condolences for the family. Nice and beautiful woman. Good actress. May God strengthen you during this difficult times. Psalms 46:1

CJ

January 14, 2015

Anita will be missed, but not forgotten. She made her mark during The golden age of movies and her legacy will live on. Our condolences to her family and friends. May the God of Love sustain and support all of you during this time of sadness.

J L

January 13, 2015

My condolences to the EKBERG family. I enjoyed her movies. during this time of grief may the God of comfort help you to endure.

G Rich

January 13, 2015

May Gods promise to redeem our loved ones from death bring you a measure of comfort.

January 13, 2015

My sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved daughter. How loving God is to console us with his promise at John 3:16. May you continue to find comfort in His Word, your Family and Friends.

January 13, 2015

Sorry for the loss,may God be your arm.....

January 13, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sheila

January 13, 2015

Thank you for sharing your beauty and talent. Rest in Peace Anita.

Wright

January 12, 2015

To the Ekerg family: Our heartfelt condolences to the family.Draw close to God and he will help you in the days ahead.

Thomas

January 12, 2015

Dear Ekberg family, we send our condolences. Please be comforted by God's promise that one day no one will say I am Sick again. Death will be gone forever. (Isaiah 33: 24) The Thomas family

E R

January 12, 2015

Sorry for your loss of love one,my condolences. Job 33:25,

January 12, 2015

GOD BLESS

Rosalyn Natson

January 12, 2015

Trust in him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:8)

Linda

January 12, 2015

May God be your comfort and guide during your time of sorrow!

January 12, 2015

This was one of the Real Ladies of all time You will be Missed.

January 12, 2015

Sorry for your loss. May God be your strength in this time of sorrow 1 Corinthians 15:26

January 12, 2015

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

January 12, 2015

God bless you sweet lady.

JF CARUSO

January 11, 2015

HER BEAUTY = STYLE AND GRACE=KNEW NO BOUNDS =R.I.P. WITH LOVE AND PEACE

`Pete

January 11, 2015

God bless the family now and always thank you for beautiful, Anita,```

RA

January 11, 2015

Sorry to learn of her death. She was blessed with beauty,longevity an lived an accomplished life. May the peace that comes from God be with her loved ones during this difficult time~Rom.15:33.

Harry Simpson

January 11, 2015

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Paige Bridges

January 11, 2015

It's always nice to see someone has lived such a filling life. But the bible gives us comfort about our death at 1 Cor. 15:26

Faith Tobin

January 11, 2015

Dear EKBERG Family I heard about the passing of the lovely Anita Eckberg.as a matter of fact I didn't know till I read it 1-11.my name is FaithTobin and she'll surely be missed.luv,Faith

Maria

January 11, 2015

May the Angels embrace your warm welcome and comfort those who are left behind. Ms. Ekberg, you are no longer in pain...Rest in Peace, you will be missed.

January 11, 2015

The world has lost a beautiful lady. She will always be remembered by her many fans. May she now rest in peace. On of her fans

January 11, 2015

Life is hard, but losing a loved one who is loved my so many Can be devastating. Recalling happy memories of the time you shared can help you to heal rather than cause you to hurt. Colossians 3:15. You have my deepest condolences.

michelle plakas-kaiser

January 11, 2015

rip

January 11, 2015

I remember her from the fifties and thought what a beautiful face and each time I would see her she had such a beautiful smile and the EYES were always smiling at you. So sorry and pray she is in heaven

Kathleen Hodes, an old fan

G. Freeman

January 11, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Scott Chamberland

January 11, 2015

Rest in Peace

Anita Ekberg

SPH

January 11, 2015

Rest In Peace, Beautiful Lady.

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September 29, 2016

gina consolini posted to the memorial.

January 19, 2016

Roxanne Smith posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.