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Swedish 'Dolce Vita' star begs Fellini fund for cash

Published: 23 Dec 11 09:40 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/38114/20111223/

Anita Ekberg, the curvaceous star of "La Dolce Vita", is hard-up and homeless and has asked for money from the foundation of the cult film's director Federico Fellini, La Stampa reported on Friday.

The 80-year-old Swedish-born actress, famous for frolicking in the Trevi fountain with Marcello Mastroianni in an iconic piece of film history, is in an old people's home near Rome after her house was set on fire in a burglary.

She is also in a wheelchair after breaking her femur and spends the days mostly on her own working on a memoir, with occasional visits from her former neighbours in Genzano just south of Rome and volunteers from social services.

"It's not elegant to say it but Mrs. Ekberg's real problem is a lack of liquidity," Massimo Morais, a court-appointed administrator who has written to the Fellini fund to ask for money on her behalf, was quoted as saying.

"The Fellini Foundation has not replied yet but I am confident of solidarity from anyone who wants to share with other benefactors in helping out, however modestly, a good actress who really deserves it," he said.

A former Miss Sweden and 1950s pin-up model, Ekberg began her acting career in Hollywood in films starring Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and John Wayne.

Her greatest role, however, was in Fellini's 1960 masterpiece "La Dolce Vita" which captures Italian exuberance during an economic boom time.

She was married to British actor Anthony Steel from 1956 to 1959 and to American actor Rik Van Nutter from 1963 to 1975 but had no children.

AFP/The Local (news@thelocal.se)

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15:13 December 23, 2011 by Frobobbles
Is it only me, but wasn't she prettier before?
15:23 December 23, 2011 by Daveo
I hope she uses some of the money for a makeover. That makeup is hidious.
20:45 December 23, 2011 by Steggles
No offence to Louise but that picture reminds me of Louise Fletcher's evil character 'Olivia' in the movie 'Flowers In The Attic' !
21:02 December 23, 2011 by procrustes
The decidedly unflattering picture of Ms. Ekberg says all there is to say about this story--a hack job. I'm sure there is a human story here, but not what is served up here. Local, shame on you.
21:23 December 23, 2011 by 3rdjerseyman
It is quite ungallant to present such a bad photo of such a lovely woman. I'm certain there are more flattering shots available.

You do know that those of us who don't die young do get old- you understand that, right?

As I say- ungallant.
01:01 December 24, 2011 by DAVID T
I wonder what she spent all her money on - bad plastic surgery?
02:08 December 24, 2011 by Marc the Texan
She's 80 years old for crying out loud. Give her a break. I think her situation is more common than people might think. She's part of the demographic that is discriminated against more than any other.
12:13 December 24, 2011 by procrustes
Some wise person said that the quality of a society can be judge by how it treats its old-or words to that effect. Wolves, for example, come back from the hunt and regurgitate food for their young and old folks unable to hunt.

Ms. Ekberg, should you happen to read this, I remember the days and your grace and beauty. If the insensitive louts publishing this stuff live as long as you, they will get theirs. And, we of an age understand that such insensitivity numbs them to much of the joy the world has to offer.
12:16 December 24, 2011 by riose
She cant complaint, she had the money and she spent it -and enjoyed doing so.

Some of us will never have fame, money, and we will manage to not be broke when we get old, by not spending the money we don't have.
14:33 December 24, 2011 by procrustes
riose--your kindness toward others will no doubt be repaid to you. A hard heart can absorb nothing of the goodness in life--it may as well be a stone.

Have you never made bad decisions? No, of course not, you're perfect and have the right to mete out cruel judgement on others.

Judge not lest you be judged. Think about it.
14:54 December 24, 2011 by Svensksmith
Pay attention to this story, Lindsay Lohan. In a few years, this could be you.
23:30 December 24, 2011 by Tanskalainen
Put some sunglasses on that meatflapper please!
11:33 December 25, 2011 by riose
@procrustes #10

You are free to send her you money. She will enjoy spending it until she is broke again.
23:57 December 25, 2011 by Antonito
I see that many of the people sending comments to The Local are simply ignorants (e.g. comments 1,2,3,6,12). No more comments.
00:45 December 26, 2011 by Tanskalainen
@Antonito Calmate mijo, no hay nada para enojarse. Estamos bromeando na' mas. Tranquilate.
12:24 December 26, 2011 by Horace
I'm sure there are plenty of starving children that need help more than her.
17:17 December 27, 2011 by pedrov652
I still love Anita..
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