Sophia Loren leads tributes to Gina Lollobrigida who died aged 95. Lollobrigida was a screen siren who rivalled Loren for the title of sexiest Italian actress.
Sophia Loren on Monday led tributes to Gina Lollobrigida who has died at the age of 95.
“I’m deeply shaken and saddened, and above all incredulous at what has happened,” said Loren, 88.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said on Monday, “We remember with great affection Gina Lollobrigida, an actress of great talent, passionate, intense, enthralling.”
“A protagonist, an icon of Italian cinema, has left us, one of the most important performers of her generation, who helped spread the Italian image around the world”.
More tributes to ‘Lollo’
Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano also paid tribute Lollobrigida after the once ‘most beautiful woman in the world’ died in her Rome home.
“Farewell to a screen diva, protagonist of over a half a century of Italian cinema history. Her allure will remain eternal. Ciao Lollo”, he said.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said “she was an Italian icon for the world”. Culture Undersecretary Lucia Borgonzoni, meanwhile, said the ministry would set up a prize in her honour.
Roberto Marti, chair of the Senate culture committee, said Lollobrigida “represented Italy in the world”. His counterpart in the House, Federico Mollicone, said “she was the last diva, and Rome must name a street after her”.
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Her grand-nephew and farm minister Francesco Lollobrigida said she was a “peerless icon” while Reform Minister Elisabetta Casellati said “she was an international star and a determined woman” while House culture committee member Giovanna Miele said “she was an immense actress and an intense performer”.
Senate Speaker Ignazio la Russa said “she did so much for Italian cinema and for Italy too”.
Veteran singer and former teen idol Rita Pavone said “the whole world envied us for her” while the Venice Film Fest recalled she had been “on several occasions a protagonist here” and Rai state broadcaster top brass Marinella Soldi and Carlo Fuortes said she was “a generous and versatile actress, capable of many facets and registers, in her countless collaborations with Cinecittà and Hollywood directors”.
