Introduction
Luigina “Gina” Lollobrigida, born on July 4, 1927, is an Italian actress, photojournalist, and sculptor. She was one of the highest-profile European actresses of the 1950s and early 1960s, a period in which she was an international sex symbol. As her film career slowed, she established second careers as a photojournalist and sculptor. In the 1970s, she achieved a scoop by gaining access to Fidel Castro for an exclusive interview. She has continued as an active supporter of Italian and Italian American causes, particularly the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF). In 2008, she received the NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award at the Foundation’s Anniversary Gala. In 2013, she sold her jewelry collection, and donated the nearly $5 million from the sale to benefit stem cell therapy research.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth: | $40 million |
| Age: | 97 |
| Date of Birth: | July 4, 1927 |
| Birth Country: | Italy |
| Source of Wealth: | Actress, Photojournalist, Sculptor |
Early Life and Career
Gina Lollobrigida was born in Subiaco, Italy. She was one of four daughters of a furniture manufacturer and his wife. She moved to Rome with her family after World War II, where she began acting in minor roles in films. She quickly rose to fame in the Italian film industry and then internationally, becoming one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses of the time.
Acting Career
Lollobrigida’s acting career spanned several decades, with her most prolific period being in the 1950s and 1960s. She starred in numerous successful films, including “Beat the Devil” (1953), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1956), and “Come September” (1961). Her performances earned her several awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe Award for World Film Favorite – Female.
Transition to Photojournalism and Sculpture
As her acting career began to slow down, Lollobrigida transitioned into photojournalism and sculpture. She achieved a significant scoop in the 1970s when she secured an exclusive interview with Fidel Castro, the then-leader of Cuba. Her work as a photojournalist has been exhibited worldwide, and her sculptures have been showcased in various exhibitions.
Philanthropy
Lollobrigida has been an active supporter of Italian and Italian American causes. She has particularly supported the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), and in 2008, she received the NIAF Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2013, she sold her jewelry collection and donated the nearly $5 million from the sale to benefit stem cell therapy research.
Personal Life
Lollobrigida has been married twice and has one child. Her first marriage was to Slovenian physician Milko Skofic, with whom she had a son. Her second marriage was to Spanish businessman Javier Rigau y Rafols.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Gina Lollobrigida’s estimated net worth is $40 million. Her wealth comes from her successful careers in acting, photojournalism, and sculpture, as well as from her investments and the sale of her jewelry collection.
Legacy
Lollobrigida’s legacy in the film industry is significant. She was one of the leading actresses of her time and a major sex symbol. Her performances in films have been critically acclaimed, and she has received several awards for her work. In addition to her acting career, her work as a photojournalist and sculptor has also been highly regarded.
Conclusion
Gina Lollobrigida is a multi-talented individual who has left a significant mark in the film industry, as well as in the fields of photojournalism and sculpture. Her successful careers, combined with her investments and the sale of her jewelry collection, have resulted in an estimated net worth of $40 million as of 2024. Despite her age, she remains active and continues to contribute to various causes, particularly those related to Italy and Italian Americans.
