Fans across the world have united in a show of support for legendary actress Sophia Loren after reports emerged that she had been rushed into emergency surgery following a fall at her home in Switzerland.
The 89-year-old icon, known for her timeless beauty and iconic performances, has captured the hearts of millions throughout her illustrious career. Now, her fans are rallying together to wish her a speedy and full recovery.
The revered Italian actress, who turned 89 on September 20th, had a fall in her bathroom that caused multiple hip and femur fractures, requiring surgery, a trusted source close to the actress told The Hollywood Reporter.
The source is cautiously optimistic about the outcome of the surgery and Loren’s recovery, which will involve a short rest and then an extended rehabilitation process.
News of Loren’s fall and hospitalisation was further confirmed by a restaurant named in her honour which she was set to officially open on September 26.
“Today, a fall at her home in Geneva caused Mrs. Loren to suffer hip fractures,” the restaurant said in a statement to Instagram.
“Having undergone a successful operation, she will now have to undergo a short period of convalescence followed by a rehabilitation process. Fortunately everything went well and the Lady will be back with us very soon.
“The entire Sophia Loren Restaurant team takes this opportunity to wish her a speedy recovery.”
News of her hospitalisation sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and sparked an outpouring of support from fans worldwide. Social media platforms were flooded with heartfelt messages, well-wishes, and tributes from admirers of all ages, expressing their concern and love for the iconic actress.
Named by the American Film Institute as one of classical Hollywood cinema’s greatest stars, Loren stands as one of the few surviving luminaries from that era. Remarkably, Loren remains the sole living individual featured on AFI’s list of the 50 greatest stars in American film history, holding the 21st position.
Loren’s journey into the world of acting began at just sixteen in 1950 after she participated in a beauty pageant. Initially, she took on minor roles and bit parts in the early 1950s. However, her career took off in 1956 when she signed a pivotal five-picture contract with Paramount, propelling her into the international spotlight. Notable films from this period include The Pride and the Passion, Houseboat, and It Started in Naples. Throughout the 1950s, Loren’s portrayals often featured a liberated persona, establishing her as a renowned sex symbol of the era.
Loren’s crowning achievement came with her role as Cesira in the 1961 film Two Women, directed by Vittorio De Sica. This performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, marking the first time an actor received an Oscar for a non-English-language role. She also holds the record for seven David di Donatello Awards for Best Actress, spanning films such as Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1963), Marriage Italian Style (1964, which also earned her a second Oscar nomination), Sunflower (1970), The Voyage (1974), A Special Day (1977), and The Life Ahead (2020).
Loren’s accolades extend to five special Golden Globes (including the Cecil B. DeMille Award), a BAFTA Award, a Laurel Award, a Grammy Award, the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival, and the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Her lifetime achievements were further recognised in 1991 when she received the prestigious Academy Honorary Award.