Anita Ekberg
'La Dolce Vita' actress, international cinema icon, European glamour symbol
Anita Ekberg (September 29, 1931 – January 11, 2015) was a Swedish-Italian actress and model who became an international cinema icon through her roles in prestigious European films. Born in Malmö, Sweden, Ekberg initially pursued a career as a model before transitioning to acting and appearing in various Swedish and Italian films. Her career reached its apex with her role as Sylvia Rank in Federico Fellini's masterpiece 'La Dolce Vita' (1960), where her appearance in the famous Trevi Fountain scene became one of cinema's most iconic moments. Her stunning beauty, presence, and sophisticated European elegance captivated audiences and established her as a major international star. Following her success in 'La Dolce Vita', Ekberg appeared in numerous European and American films, often cast in glamorous roles that leveraged her striking appearance and international appeal. She worked with notable directors and actors throughout her career, contributing to Italian cinema's golden age during the 1950s and 1960s. Beyond film, Ekberg maintained a presence in television and maintained her status as a cultural icon representing European glamour and sophistication. Though her major film work concluded in the 1970s, Ekberg's legacy endured through her iconic roles and her continued presence in European entertainment. She remains remembered as a symbol of 1960s elegance and a significant figure in cinema history.
Anita Baker
Grammy-winning jazz and R&B vocalist, contralto voice, sophisticated interpreter
Anita Hill
Sexual harassment testimony against Clarence Thomas, civil rights advocate, law professor
Anita Pallenberg
Actress and model, rock and roll muse, 'The Italian Job', artistic personality
Anita Bryant
Singer and actress, orange juice spokesperson, political activist
Entertainment
Swedish
1931
2015
Thinking about the name
Anita
Spanish/Hebrew origin
“Derived from the Spanish diminutive of Ana (Hebrew 'Hannah,' meaning 'grace'), Anita carries a warm, approachable quality with Latin flair. Popular throughout the Spanish-speaking world and beyond since the mid-20th century, the name strikes a balance between classic and spirited.”