Who Is Anita Ekberg? Age, Biography and Wiki
Anita Ekberg, born on September 29, 1931, in Malmö, Sweden, was an iconic actress and model celebrated for her glamorous roles in the film industry. With a career that spanned several decades, she gained international fame for her role in Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita" (1960), which solidified her status as a sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s. Anita Ekberg's charm, beauty, and memorable performances made her a household name worldwide. Sadly, she passed away on January 11, 2015, but her legacy continues to live on in the hearts of fans and the film industry.
| Occupation | Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 29, 1931 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Malmö, Sweden |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Sweden |
| Date of death | 11 January, 2015 |
| Died Place | Rocca di Papa, Italy |
Popularity
Anita Ekberg's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Anita Ekberg stood at an impressive height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm), a striking stature that complemented her on-screen persona. She weighed approximately 145 lbs (66 kg) during her acting career, with body measurements that showcased her classic curves - her bust waist and hips typically measured around 39-25-36 inches. Known for her timeless beauty, her looks have continued to inspire generations.
In December 2011, it was reported that the 80-year-old Ekberg was "destitute" following three months in a Rimini hospital with a broken hip, during which time her home was robbed of jewelry and furniture, and her villa was badly damaged by fire. Ekberg applied for help from the Fellini Foundation, which also found itself in difficult financial straits.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Ekberg had several high-profile relationships. While she was married to actor Anthony Steel from 1956 to 1959, her most notable romance was with Italian director Federico Fellini, with whom she had an enduring bond. In 2025, however, Anita would have been remembered for her relationships rather than having any current partners, given her passing in 2015.
Her family, including her elder brother and two sisters, influenced her early life and career. She was known to cherish family bonds and often spoke fondly of her early days in Sweden.
In her teens, Anita worked as a fashion model. Ekberg entered the Miss Malmö competition in 1950 at her mother's urging. This led to the Miss Sweden contest which she won. Despite speaking very little English, she went to the United States to compete for the 1951 Miss Universe title (an unofficial beauty pageant at that time, it became official in 1952).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 2015, Anita Ekberg’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. This impressive figure was a result of her successful acting career, numerous endorsements, and various business ventures. Her earnings peaked during the 1960s, particularly during her lucrative film contracts and international modeling gigs. Over the years, her enduring legacy may have contributed to a subsequent rise in value for her former estates and collectible memorabilia in 2025.
Career, Business, and Investments
Anita Ekberg's career flourished during the golden age of Hollywood. Aside from her memorable role in "La Dolce Vita," she appeared in numerous films, enchanting audiences with her beauty and charisma. Not only was she a successful actress, but she also ventured into modeling and appeared in several television shows over her career span.
Post her active years in acting, Ekberg became involved in various business pursuits, including investments in fashion and hospitality industries. In 2025, her influence continues to resonate, with fan clubs and retrospectives celebrating her impressive body of work.
By the mid-1950s, after several modelling jobs, Ekberg finally broke into the film industry. She guest-starred in the short-lived TV series Casablanca (1955) and Private Secretary.
Social Network
While Anita Ekberg did not have a social media presence during her lifetime, her legacy is honored on various platforms by fans and film enthusiasts worldwide. Documentaries, fan pages, and curated collections of her work continue to inspire discussions on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Many revisit her classic performances and iconic images, reminding new generations of her impact on cinema and pop culture.
The combination of Ekberg's voluptuous physique and colourful private life (such as her well-publicized romances with Hollywood's leading men like Frank Sinatra, Tyrone Power, Yul Brynner, Rod Taylor, and Errol Flynn) appealed to the gossip magazines, like Confidential and she soon became a major 1950s pin-up, appearing in men's magazines like Play
boy.
Additionally, Ekberg participated in publicity stunts. She once admitted that an incident in which her dress burst open in the lobby of London's Berkeley Hotel was prearranged with a photographer.
Education
Anita Ekberg attended Malmö school of arts and eventually pursued her dreams in the entertainment industry, where her beauty and talent quickly gained attention. Though she did not have a formal degree in acting, her natural charisma and on-the-job experiences made her one of the most memorable actresses of her time.
