Swedish-born actress Anita Akberg, who headlined the international scene for starring in Federico Fellini's iconic cinematic masterpiece, La Dolce Vita (1960), passed away.

The 83-year-old screen icon died in an Italian hospital, where she had been confined since the holidays due to a recurring illness. The actress, who had spent her remaining years wheelchair-bound after breaking her hip following an accident with her Great Danes, lived in an Italian elderly facility since her villa was damaged by fire.

Like Us on Facebook

Ekberg, who was crowned Miss Sweden in 1950 competed in the Miss Universe, landing her Hollywood roles, eventually.

Notorious for her acerbic tongue, Ekberg's controversial private life plus her alluring appeal made her a favorite of gossip magazines, such as Confidential, as well as of men's magazines. Initially labeled as Paramount Picture's equivalent of Marilyn Monroe, Ekberg appeared on War and Peace, Back from Eternity, and Interpol.

Ekberg's biggest moment came when Federico Fellini cast her as the inaccessible "dream woman" pursued by Marcello Mastroianni's character. Ekberg became as iconic movie character when she sploshed into  the Trevi fountain one shrilly quiet night in Rome while wearing a long strapless black dress, inviting Mastroianni's character to join her. The film became an international success, winning at the Cannes and released in English, French, German and Italian languages.

Following La Dolce Vita, Ekberg continued acting and appeared in such movies as The Dam of the Yellow River, Boccaccio '70, and 4 for Texas. She also starred in two more Fellini-directed movies: I clowns and Intervista.Kerstin Anita Marianne Ekberg was born on September 29, 1931 in Malmö, Skåne, Sweden. She was married twice to actors, the first was with Anthony Steel in 1956, which ended in 1959; the second with Rik Van Nutter, who she married in 1963 until they were divorcesd in 1975.

Tagsanita ekberg, anita ekberg la dolce vita, anita ekberg dead, marcello mastroianni, federico fellini