Around the World in 80 Pin-Ups

Viva L'Italia !!


My next stop on our global Pin Up review will be Italy, of course. ;) ...





Because how can you talk about international Pin Ups from the 50's without first showcasing Sophia Loren ?? She's really and truly in a class all her own. Maybe the most beautiful woman to ever live? Maybe?

She was born in Rome in 1934, and for most of her youth she worked as a piano teacher and aspiring actress.
I mean, can you imagine getting piano lessons from Sophia Loren? I'm fairly certain none of those little boys learned one note. ;)

She was wounded in an air raid during WWII, after which her family picked up and moved to Naples.
Her grandmother Louisa, who was probably stunning ... opened a pub in their living room after the war selling cherry liquor to American GI's stationed in Italy, who I'm SURE came back again and again for another look at the beautiful Sophia. How could they not??

She finally hit it big with her role in Aida in 1953, catapulting her career, and her curves ... into superstardom. In 1958 she signed a contract with Paramount Pictures, and the rest is history.

She starred in films with my love, Paul Newman ... Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Gregory Peck and many others who I'm SURE were awe stricken by the Italian beauty.



And of course, don't forget her legendary role in "Grumpier Old Men" ... one of my personal favorites! She's still alive today, and still absolutely gorgeous. I wouldn't mind having the "Loren Genes" if I do say so myself. ;)