Pictures of young Gina Lollobrigida as iconic Italian actress dies at 95
Sophia Hammond
Updated on April 03, 2026
HITC takes a look at pictures of young Gina Lollobrigida following the devastating news of the iconic Italian star’s passing at 95.
The actress, who gained popularity in Italian, French and English films, has died aged 95, Italian news agency ANSA announced.
Italian culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano wrote in a poignant Twitter tribute: “Farewell to a diva of the silver screen, protagonist of more than half a century of Italian cinema history. Her charm will remain eternal.”
As many paid their respects to the Italian legend, we take a look at pictures of young Gina Lollobrigida.
Pictures of young Gina Lollobrigida
Gina was born in Subiaco in 1927 and started pursuing a modelling career, taking part in beauty contests as a teenager. She came on third place in the 1947 Miss Italia contest.
Due to contract issues with producer Howard Hughes, she kept away from American cinema but during this time she rose to prominence in a number of European films.
After several uncredited roles, Gina landed roles in the films The Bride Couldn’t Wait, Alina, Dog’s Life and Fearless Little Soldier.
She played the role of Bersagliera in the Italian-language film Bread, Love and Dreams. The role bagged her first Bafta nomination and a Nastro d’Argento award.
Gina made her big Hollywood debut in the 1954 English-language film Beat the Devil, which was directed by John Huston.
She went on to appear in the 1955’s The Most Beautiful Woman in the World, 1956’s Trapeze with and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1956) with Anthony Quinn.
The Italian actress is pictured with her husband Milko Skofic and their son Milko Skofic Jr on a film set around 1952.
After moving to Canada in the 1960s, she appeared in the movies Come September and Strange Bedfellows alongside actor Rock Hudson.
One of her last major roles on the big screen was in the 1972 film King, Queen, Knave before small roles in the series Falcon’s Crest and Love Boat.
As her acting career started declining, Gina found her new passion in photojournalism and published a book with her photographs titled Italia Mia.
Working as a photojournalist, she landed a interview with Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Gina is pictured at an event in Los Angeles in 1981.
Tributes paid to Italian star
People from the film industry and fans have paid poignant tributes to the legendary Italian actress.
One tribute read: “R.I.P. to the beautiful Luigia “Gina” Lollobrigida (4 July 1927 – 16 January 2023). Actress, photojournalist, politician, star.”
Cult Films wrote: “CultFilms is saddened to learn of the passing of an icon of the Italian screen; the formidabile, Gina Lollobrigida.”
A third tribute said: “Farewell to the Italian screen goddess and one of the biggest stars of European cinema in the 1950s and 60s, the legendary Gina Lollobrigida, who passed away at the age of 95.”
