Sophia Loren

Loren was portrayed by Sonia Aquino in the 2004 biopic The Life and Death of Peter Sellers, as well as by Silvia Vrij in a 1980 film entitled Dirty Picture. Brian's Drive-In Theater (http://www.briansdriveintheater.com/virginiamayo.html). In her 60s, Loren was selective in her films, but made a well-received appearance in the 1994 comedy Grumpier Old Men and in 2004 had a major role in the mini-series, Lives of the Saints. Denny Jackson's Virginia Mayo page (http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/2440/mayo.html). In 1991, Loren received an honorary Academy Award for her contributions to cinema. Official website (http://www.virginiamayo.com/). In 1980 she had the rare distinction of portraying herself (as well as her own mother) in a made-for-television biopic, Sophia Loren: Her Own Story (Ritza Brown and Chiara Ferrari played younger versions of the actress). IMDB entry (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0562920/).

In 1982, she made headlines when she served an 18-day prison sentence in Italy on tax evasion charges but this didn't slow down her career. The Man Next Door (1997). Loren moved into her 40s and 50s gracefully and continued to be considered both a fine dramatic actress and a sex symbol for years, with acclaimed roles in films such as The Cassandra Crossing and Robert Altman's Ready to Wear. The Haunted (1979). That same year, Loren gave an acclaimed performance in Italy's Two Women, which earned her the distinction of being the first actor to win a major category Academy Award (in her case, Best Actress) for a non-English language performance. French Quarter (1977). To promote the film, Loren and Sellers recorded a best-selling album of comedic songs. Castle of Evil (1966).

One of her best-known films of this period was The Millionairess (1960) which became the subject of much speculation due to the fact her co-star, Peter Sellers, became infatuated with the actress and later claimed to have had an affair with her (a fact she denies). Fort Dobbs (1958). By the 1960s, Loren was one of the most popular actresses in the world, and continued to make popular films in both America and in Europe. The Tall Stranger (1957). Some of her earliest American films included Desire Under the Elms (based upon the Eugene O'Neill play), Houseboat (a romantic comedy starring Cary Grant), and The Black Orchid (a romantic drama co-starring Anthony Quinn). Story of Mankind, The (1957). In short order, however, Loren demonstrated considerable skill as a dramatic and comedic actress, which gained her respect as being more than just a sex symbol. The Big Land (1957).

Although she had appeared in a bit part in the Hollywood blockbuster Quo Vadis in 1951, it was not until 1957's Boy on a Dolphin that Loren became a major international film star, due in part to the iconic image of her wearing a water-soaked, body-clinging dress. The Proud Ones (1956). This film, like many of her other early roles, emphasized her voluptuous physique; she even appeared topless in a few films (which was considered acceptable in European cinema at the time, though said scenes were usually cut out when the films were distributed in the United Kingdom or in North America). Great Day in the Morning (1956). Two Nights with Cleopatra). Pearl of the South Pacific (1955). One of her first major roles was as the titular character of the 1953 Italian film Due notti con Cleopatra (a.k.a. The Silver Chalice (1954).

She was "discovered" by her future husband Carlo Ponti, who produced many of her films. King Richard and the Crusaders (1954). She grew up there in poverty but found her way into small parts in European films in the early 1950s, often billed as Sofia Lazzaro. She's Back on Broadway (1953). She was born Sofia Villani Scicolone in Pozzuoli, Italy, the illegitimate daughter of Romilda Villani and Riccardo Scicolone. The Iron Mistress (1952). Sophia Loren (born September 20, 1934) is one of the most famous Italian actresses of all time, and even at the age of 70 continues to be considered one of the most desirable women on the planet. She's Working Her Way Through College (1952).

"If you haven't cried, your eyes can't be beautiful.". Along the Great Divide (1951). "The two big advantages I had at birth were to have been born wise and to have been born in poverty.". (1951). "It's a mistake to think that once you're done with school you need never learn anything new.". Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go much further than people with vastly superior talent.". The Flame and the Arrow (1950).

"Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. Backfire (1950). "Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.". White Heat (1949). "A woman's dress should be like a barbed-wire fence: serving its purpose without obstructing the view.". Colorado Territory (1949). When asked why she stopped doing nude scenes: "When Sophia Loren is naked, that is a lot of nakedness.". Flaxy Martin (1949).

"Sex appeal is 50% what you've got and 50% what people think you've got.". Smart Girls Don't Talk (1948). "Mistakes are a part of the dues one pays for a full life.". A Song Is Born (1948). Other notable film roles were: Jimena (Charlton Heston's love interest) in El Cid; Lucilla in The Fall of the Roman Empire with Alec Guinness; and Aldonza/Dulcinea in Man of La Mancha with Peter O'Toole. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947). Her childhood nickname: "Toothpick". The Best Years of Our Lives (1946).

Often appeared with Marcello Mastroianni. The Kid from Brooklyn (1946). Received an Oscar for Best Actress for the 1960 film Two Women.. Wonder Man (1945). The Princess and the Pirate (1944). Jack London (1943).

It can be found at 1751 Vine Street. Mayo got a star on the Walk of Fame for her work in Television. Her singing voice was always dubbed. Through the 1950s and 1960s she ended up getting roles in B-movies, often westerns and adventure films, but also some musicals.

Also of interest is her role in The Best Years of Our Lives. In 1949's White Heat she gave one of her greatest performances as Verna Jarrett the wife of gangster Cody Jarrett (acted by James Cagney). With Danny Kaye she made some successful comedies, including: Wonder Man (1945), The Kid from Brooklyn (1946) and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947). She started her career as a dancer, then signed a contract with Samuel Goldwyn and appeared in several of Goldwyn's movies.

Louis, Missouri, USA) was an American film actress, real name Virginia Clara Jones . Virginia Mayo (born November 30, 1920, St.