Almost nothing remains of the beauty she was once known for. There was a time when this Swedish actress captivated audiences with her striking looks and undeniable talent — countless women admired her so much they copied her style and image.

But things shifted over the years, and both her looks and her fame eventually slipped away.

So who is she, and what really happened?

Anita Ekberg grew up in a religious household, and although she dreamed of becoming an actress, her father strongly opposed the idea. That didn’t stop her — she left home behind and relocated to Italy to chase her acting career.

Her captivating presence and skill quickly won over Italian audiences. From there, Hollywood took notice too. She went on to work alongside major stars of her era and became widely regarded as an icon of femininity on screen.

Fame came with its own price, though. Her personal life took a difficult turn — she went through two marriages, both ending in divorce, and the fallout affected her professional momentum. As newer, younger actresses rose to prominence, her own star began to fade.

Struggling and desperate to stay relevant, she reportedly accepted nearly any acting role offered to her. The grueling pace eventually took a toll on her physical health.

Losing the beauty she’d once been famous for also weighed heavily on her emotional wellbeing, and fans were often startled by how much she had changed in later photos.

She passed away in 2015 — but her legacy as a screen icon remains unforgettable.