“When I go back to Rome, my roses will be in bloom again.” Anita Ekberg had no regrets in life, and it showed in her radiant smile, porcelain skin, and golden locks.
The Golden Globe-winning performer may be long gone, but she will always be remembered as the Paramount’s Marilyn Monroe, who danced her heart out in the Trevi Fountain scene of the La Dolce Vita film! Always in our hearts, Anita!
IN A GIST
- Anita Ekberg’s 5 feet and 7 inches or 169 cm (1.69 m) tall height was perfect for her model-like figure.
- Ekberg weighed 65 kg or 143 pounds in her last years, looking ravishing on red carpets.
- Anita was 83 years old when she passed away in 2015. Curious to know more about her? Continue reading to learn about Anita’s life, career, weight, height, and more.
When and How Did Anita Ekberg Pass Away?
Anita Ekberg was born on the 29th of September, 1931, and passed away on the 11th of January, 2015, due to chronic illnesses. The Swedish beauty was 83 at the time of her passing, but her legacy has lived on!
Anita Ekberg’s Education Background and Net Worth
Beautiful and vivacious Anita Ekberg didn’t go to college as she participated in the Miss Universe pageant, which led to countless film offers and modeling assignments. But she took acting, fencing, horseback riding, elocution, and dancing lessons to develop her skills.
Thanks to her enchanting personality and hard work, Anita dominated the 60s Hollywood scene with hits like War and Peace, La Dolce Vita, Last Train to Shanghai, and 4 for Texas.
She worked with top Hollywood stars, including Frank Sinatra and John Wayne, through the 70s, traveling international borders to make a name for herself and succeeding in her pursuit. Ekberg’s estimated net worth was $10 million at the time of her passing.
Anita Ekberg’s Family and Love Life
The sixth of eight children of Gustav and Alva Ekberg, Anita spent her childhood in Malmö, Skåne, Sweden. Growing up with a big family must have been both a challenge and a blessing.
It, however, seems that her parents knew her well enough to convince Anita to participate in the Miss Malmö competition, which completely changed the trajectory of her life. She truly loved her purpose!
On the marital front, Anita was married twice, first to actor Anthony Steel for four years, and later, she tied the knot with Rik Van Nutter. She divorced both her husbands after a few years of marriage.
- Full born name: Kerstin Anita Marianne Ekberg
- Nicknames: Miss Sweden, Anita, The Iceberg
- Occupation: Actress
- Date of birth: 29 September 1931
- Birthplace: Malmö, Skåne, Sweden
- Zodiac sign: Libra
- Father name: Gustav Ekberg
- Mother name: Alva Ekberg
- Siblings’ names: Seven siblings (Name Undisclosed)
- Spouse: Anthony Steel (1956-59); Rik Van Nutter (1963-75)
Anita Ekberg’s Height and Weight
Gorgeous actress Anita Ekberg was tall and impressive at 5 feet and 7 inches or 169 cm (1.69 m), which added an extra appeal to her already magnetic personality. No wonder magazines like Confidential and Playboy always chased her for shoots!
She made a rare appearance at the prestigious Berlinale International Film Festival in 2013 in an all-black ensemble looking breathtaking as ever. Ekberg weighed around 65 kg or 143 pounds in her last years.
Anita Ekberg’s Body Measurements and Physical Features
Anita had a distinctive taste in fashion and often embraced feminine and figure-flattering fits, which accentuated her hourglass physique. Her approximate body measurements in her later years were close to 40-30-38 in or 101-76-97 cm.
Whether at 21 or 81, Anita could easily attract the attention of the camera, especially on red carpets and photo shoots. She had a possible bra size of 38DD and cup size DD by the time she entered her 80s.
Her timeless beauty radiated from her square-shaped face and flawless skin. Her big blue eyes were nothing short of extraordinary as they carried an irresistible charm and grace. She had short blonde hair, which enhanced her ethereal visuals.
| Height | 5 feet and 7 inches or 169 cm (1.69 m) |
| Weight | 65 kg or 143 pounds |
| Face Shape | Square |
| Breast Size | 40 inches |
| Bra Size | 38DD |
| Cup Size | DD |
| Figure | Voluptuous |
| Body Measurements | 40-30-38 in or 101-76-97 cm |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) or 39 (EU) or 6 (UK) |
| Dress Size | 12 (US) or 44 (EU) or 16 (UK) |
| Eyes Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
Anita Ekberg’s Career Highlights
Stunning Anita Ekberg was crowned Miss Sweden before competing in the 1951 Miss Universe pageant. Even though she didn’t win, Anita’s striking looks and magnetism attracted a lot of film offers, starting her journey to stardom.
She made her screen debut in a minor role in the 1953 film The Mississippi Gambler, which caught the attention of several stars, including John Wayne, who signed her on with his productions.
After several modeling jobs, Anita finally started appearing in a handful of films until her breakout role in War and Peace got her the attention she deserved.
She appeared in films like Zarak, Valerie, and The Man Inside before starring as Sylvia in Federico Fellini’s satire comedy La Dolce Vita. The scene where Anita was seen frolicking in Rome’s Trevi Fountain became iconic, bringing a lot of popularity her way.
At last, Anita was a star who knew how to continue her success in mainstream Hollywood, playing lead in films like Last Train to Shanghai, Behind Closed Doors, 4 For Texas, The Alphabet Murders, and Northeast of Seoul.
As time passed, Anita started doing cameos in films and eventually made a comeback with Intervista in the 80s. Anita’s last screen appearance came in the Italian TV series Il bello delle Donne in 2001, after which she suffered from health issues.
Exciting Facts About Anita Ekberg
Anita’s iconic portrayal of Sylvia in La Dolce Vita became a sensation after she had left Hollywood and moved to Rome. She rarely visited Sweden, her home country, after becoming an actress, let alone settling there.
She was ranked 98 on the Empire Magazine’s List of 100 Sexiest Stars in Film History in 1995.
She was also among the only five Swedish actresses nominated for a Golden Globe. She won the award in 1956 under the Best New Actress category.
Anita was known to be quite outspoken in her interviews. She once mentioned that it was Fellini, the director of La Dolce Vita, who owed his success to her, not vice-versa, as most people think.
Anita suffered from a hip injury in her 80s and was hospitalized for a few months during which she was robbed of jewelry and furniture. It was also reported that her villa caught fire with irreversible damage.
What face shape does Anita Ekberg have?
Anita Ekberg had a square-shaped face with sharp features, a defined jawline, and high cheekbones.
What is Anita Ekberg’s hair color?
Anita had short blonde hair during the later years of her life, and it perfectly suited her physique.
What color eyes does Anita Ekberg have?
Anita Ekberg was known for her piercing blue eyes, which radiated both strength and vulnerability.
Does Anita Ekberg have tattoos?
Anita had no visible or known tattoos before her passing in 2015.
Did Anita Ekberg win Oscar?
Ekberg never won an Oscar but earned a Golden Globe for Best New Actress in 1956.
Did Anita Ekberg go to college?
Anita Ekberg didn’t attend college as she competed in Miss World, which opened doors to modeling and acting.
Anita Ekberg will always be remembered as the 1955 Hollywood Deb Star who left an everlasting imprint on the golden Hollywood era. Anita’s captivating allure often reminds her fans of the late actress Anne Bancroft.
