She graced the covers of magazines, starred in films alongside some of the biggest stars of the era, including Frank Sinatra, Gregory Peck, and Dean Martin, and became a beloved fixture of Hollywood’s golden age.

However, she always remained rooted in her Swedish heritage, with her charm and warmth leaving a lasting impression on both European and American audiences.

In addition to her film career, Ekberg was known for her strong sense of independence and refusal to be typecast.

She appeared in a variety of genres, from drama to comedy, with notable films including The Best of Everything (1959) and Boccaccio ’70 (1962), a film that allowed her to show a more serious side.

Yet, it was La Dolce Vita that truly defined her legacy, not only as a sex symbol but as an actress who could convey a range of emotions in her performances.