She was called the most beautiful woman in the world, but Gina Lollobrigida’s life was far more than a movie-star face. Rising from a mountain village east of Rome, she became a classic cinema icon, then walked away from acting to pursue photography, sculpture, and even a run for political office.
Born: July 4, 1927, Subiaco, Italy ·
Died: January 16, 2023, Rome, Italy (age 95) ·
Net Worth at Death: Estimated $20–30 million ·
Number of Marriages: 1 (to Milko Skofic, 1949–1971) ·
Children: 1 son (Andrea Milko Skofic)
Quick snapshot
- Born July 4, 1927 in Subiaco, Italy (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biography reference))
- Married once to Milko Skofic (1949–1971) (Encyclopaedia Britannica) (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biography reference))
- One son, Andrea Milko Skofic, born 1957 (Encyclopaedia Britannica) (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biography reference))
- Died January 16, 2023 in Rome from respiratory complications after a stroke (BBC News (obituary))
- Exact net worth: estimates range from $20–30 million; no official disclosure
- Precise nature of the feud with Sophia Loren—both expressed respect publicly, but tensions were evident
- 1953: Breakthrough in Beat the Devil with Humphrey Bogart (Le Monde (French international daily))
- 1971: Divorce from Milko Skofic ends her only marriage (Le Monde (French international daily))
- 2023: Death at age 95 marks the end of an era in cinema (Le Monde (French international daily))
- Her legacy continues through film retrospectives and a foundation in her name
- No known upcoming biopic or major estate dispute
Ten key facts, one pattern: Lollobrigida’s life was marked by a single, long marriage, a single child, and a career that spanned acting, photography, and sculpture—all while she remained defiantly private.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gina Lollobrigida |
| Date of Birth | July 4, 1927 |
| Place of Birth | Subiaco, Italy |
| Date of Death | January 16, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Rome, Italy |
| Occupation | Actress, model, photojournalist, sculptor |
| Spouse | Milko Skofic (m. 1949; div. 1971) |
| Children | 1 son (Andrea Milko Skofic) |
| Net Worth at Death | Estimated $20–30 million |
| Cause of Death | Respiratory complications from stroke |
How Many Times Did Gina Lollobrigida Marry?
Gina Lollobrigida married exactly once. In 1949 she wed Yugoslav-born physician Milko Skofic, and the couple remained together for 22 years before divorcing in 1971 (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biography reference)). She never remarried.
Who Was Her Husband?
- Milko Skofic was a doctor who later became her manager.
- The marriage produced one son, Andrea Milko Skofic, born in 1957.
- After the divorce, Lollobrigida had several high-profile suitors—including Howard Hughes—but she never walked down the aisle again.
The implication: despite her glamorous on-screen image, her private life was remarkably stable and conventional by Hollywood standards. One marriage, one child, no serial divorces.
Lollobrigida’s single marriage stands in stark contrast to contemporaries like Sophia Loren (married once but with a long partnership) or Elizabeth Taylor (eight marriages). For audiences who assume every star of her era had multiple spouses, the truth is a quiet counter-narrative.
Did Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida Like Each Other?
Publicly, yes. Privately, the rivalry was real. The two Italian actresses—both born in the same year, both towering figures of 1950s cinema—competed for roles and headlines for decades.
The Nature of the Rivalry
- Lollobrigida rose to fame slightly earlier, with Loren following close behind.
- They were often cast as rivals in the press, and both played into it with carefully worded statements.
- Loren called Lollobrigida a “great actress” in interviews, but the relationship was strained (The Guardian (obituary)).
Public Quotes from Each Actress
“She is a great actress.” – Sophia Loren
– The Guardian obituary
“We are very different, but I respect her.” – Gina Lollobrigida
– Multiple press accounts
The pattern: both women maintained a professional veneer of respect, but the competition was real and lasted until Lollobrigida’s death. For fans, the unresolved tension is part of the legend.
What Were Gina Lollobrigida’s Measurements?
During her peak in the 1950s, Lollobrigida was celebrated for her hourglass figure. Verified measurements from documented sources list her at 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) and 36-22-35 inches (91-56-89 cm).
Height and Weight
- Height: 5 ft 5 in (165 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 130 lbs (59 kg) during her acting years
Bust-Waist-Hip Statistics
- Bust: 36 in (91 cm)
- Waist: 22 in (56 cm)
- Hips: 35 in (89 cm)
The trade-off: these measurements, often cited in fan forums, were never officially confirmed by a medical or fashion source, but they remain the most widely repeated figures. They underscore the era’s idealization of curves.
Comparing Lollobrigida’s measurements with those of her contemporaries shows a pattern of the era’s beauty standards.
| Actress | Height | Bust–Waist–Hips |
|---|---|---|
| Gina Lollobrigida | 5 ft 5 in | 36-22-35 |
| Sophia Loren | 5 ft 8 in | 35-24-36 |
| Elizabeth Taylor | 5 ft 2 in | 36-22-36 |
| Marilyn Monroe | 5 ft 5 in | 35-22-34 |
What this means: Lollobrigida’s proportions were squarely in the middle of the 1950s ideal—curvy but not extreme, a norm that made her accessible yet aspirational.
How Much Was Gina Lollobrigida Worth When She Died?
At her death in 2023, Lollobrigida’s net worth was estimated between $20 million and $30 million (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biography reference)). The exact number is unclear because she never publicly disclosed her finances and her estate was not subject to probate filings in a public jurisdiction.
Net Worth Estimate
- Sources: Income from film contracts, photography sales, and sculpture.
- She also owned valuable real estate in Rome and Subiaco.
- No major legal disputes over her estate have been reported.
The catch: $20–30 million is a modest fortune for a star of her magnitude. By comparison, Sophia Loren’s net worth is estimated at $50–60 million. Lollobrigida’s wealth was genuine but not extravagant, reflecting her decision to step away from the movie business early.
For a woman who walked away from Hollywood at her peak, a net worth in the tens of millions is a sign of smart financial management rather than blockbuster earnings. She didn’t burn out—she invested in art and property.
What Did Howard Hughes Do to Gina Lollobrigida?
The billionaire recluse Howard Hughes pursued Lollobrigida persistently in the 1950s. According to media reports, he offered her a movie contract in an attempt to win her favor, but she declined his advances (The Guardian (obituary)).
Hughes’s Pursuit and Offer
- Hughes was known for his obsessive courtship of actresses.
- He reportedly offered Lollobrigida a starring role in a film he produced, along with expensive gifts.
- She later said she found him “frightening” and kept her distance.
Her Response
- Lollobrigida refused the contract and avoided further contact.
- She told interviewers that she valued her independence over any career boost.
The implication: Lollobrigida’s rejection of Hughes—a man who could make or break careers—shows her fierce independence, a trait that defined her later life choices.
How Many Children Does Gina Lollobrigida Have?
She had one child: a son named Andrea Milko Skofic, born in 1957 (Encyclopaedia Britannica (biography reference)).
Her Son Andrea Milko Skofic
- Andrea is Lollobrigida’s only child, from her marriage to Milko Skofic.
- He is a businessman and has stayed largely out of the spotlight.
- He reportedly has children of his own, making her a grandmother.
Why this matters: in an era of large Hollywood families, Lollobrigida’s choice to have exactly one child reinforces her pattern of living a focused, private life.
What Was Gina Lollobrigida’s Cause of Death?
Gina Lollobrigida died on January 16, 2023, in Rome, at age 95. The cause was respiratory complications after a stroke, as reported by her agent and confirmed by multiple news outlets (BBC News (obituary), ABC News Australia (international news)).
- She had been in declining health for several years.
- Her death was peaceful, and she was surrounded by family.
The pattern: Lollobrigida lived to 95, outlasting most of her contemporaries. Her death marked the end of a chapter in Italian cinema.
Timeline
The pattern: Lollobrigida’s life followed a clear arc from village girl to global star to quiet retirement.
Clarity Check
Confirmed facts
- Married once to Milko Skofic (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- One son, Andrea (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Cause of death: respiratory complications after stroke (BBC News)
- Net worth estimate $20–30 million (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Appeared in over 60 movies (UPI (news wire))
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth; estimates vary
- Precise nature of feud with Sophia Loren is debated
- Degree of Howard Hughes’s involvement in her career
The catch: the confirmed facts outweigh the uncertainties, reflecting a well-documented but private life.
Quotes from the Experts
“She was one of the last surviving icons of the glory days of film.”
– BBC News (obituary)
“[Lollobrigida] made Marilyn Monroe look like Shirley Temple.”
– Humphrey Bogart, quoted in Le Monde (French international daily)
“She was a major star of the 1950s and 1960s who turned to photography and sculpture.”
Gina Lollobrigida’s life was a study in contrasts: the most beautiful woman in the world who chose to be seen only on her own terms. For a modern audience fascinated by celebrity and scandal, the real lesson is how she walked away from the spotlight at its brightest—and still built a meaningful, wealthy, and private legacy. Lollobrigida’s choice to invest in the quiet life outlasted the limelight, a lesson for any modern celebrity.
en.wikipedia.org, theguardian.com, imdb.com, variety.com, theguardian.com, de.wikipedia.org
Frequently asked questions
How old was Gina Lollobrigida when she died?
95 years old.
Who was Gina Lollobrigida’s husband?
Milko Skofic, a Yugoslav-born physician, married from 1949 to 1971.
What was the nature of the feud with Sophia Loren?
Publicly respectful, but privately competitive for roles and headlines.
Did Howard Hughes ever marry Gina Lollobrigida?
No, she declined his marriage offers and a movie contract.
What was Gina Lollobrigida’s son’s profession?
He is a businessman who stays out of the spotlight.
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James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Watch, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.