Sophia Loren and her beloved husband, Carlo Ponti, defied doctors’ expectations and were blessed with two children. Their enduring marriage spanned four decades, only concluding with his passing. In a candid September 2019 interview, Loren reminisced about her romance with Ponti.
When questioned about the secret to their lasting relationship, she simply stated, “There was none. It was love at first sight for both of us. We met at a beauty contest in Rome when I was 16, and he was on the jury.” The Italian actress revealed that Ponti noticed her sitting with friends and sent a note inviting her to participate in the competition.
She opted to and Sophia Loren secured second place in the contest
Loren shared that her connection with Ponti initially developed as a “friendly” one, with their romantic involvement commencing when she turned 19. “We genuinely loved each other,” she admitted. When questioned about her on-set romances in an October 2017 interview, Loren disclosed, “Maybe little infatuations, but falling in love is quite another thing. Perhaps in life, you fall in love only once.”
Reflecting on when she realized her life would be extraordinary, Loren emphasized the importance of discipline, dedication, sacrifices, and stubbornness. She recalled a moment when an Italian doctor told her she could not have children, a declaration she vehemently opposed. In the end, she proved him wrong.
Loren and Ponti married in April 1966 and started a family two years later, welcoming their eldest child, Carlo Ponti Jr., in December 1968, and their youngest son, Edoardo Ponti, in January 1973. The couple remained married for an impressive 41 years until Ponti’s passing in January 2007 in Geneva, Switzerland. Loren chose not to remarry and continues to be a widow to this day.
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Thereafter, Sophia Loren stepped down from the spotlight
In her later years, Loren has opted for a life away from the spotlight, residing in her cherished Geneva, where her children were born. Besides her own children, she delights in being a grandmother to four, whom she affectionately describes as the “most beautiful grandchildren” she has ever seen.
Loren’s eldest son, Carlo Jr., shares two children with his longtime wife, Andrea Meszaros Ponti, whom he married in 2004. Her second child, Edoardo, is also a parent of two, Lucia and Leonardo, born to his spouse, “NCIS” alum Sasha Alexander, with whom he exchanged vows in 2007.
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It seems positivity is her secret to a happy life
When asked about her current lifestyle, the Oscar winner expressed her commitment to doing something positive every day for herself and those around her. She finds joy in the good news her children share about their lives, even though they are far away in California.
Loren’s hope is for her children and grandchildren to understand that they are what truly makes her life meaningful. She holds her family in the highest regard. As a proud and loving mother, Loren commends her sons for their gifts, respect for their parents, and strong moral principles. In her eyes, they have grown into exceptional individuals.
She also believes that every one of us should embrace the natural process of aging
Speaking openly about aging, Loren believes embracing happiness is the key to graceful aging. She encourages others to enjoy every moment of life, including the aging process. Although living away from her children and their families, Loren is surrounded by loyal friends caring for her. As the family matriarch, she expresses contentment with her great life, keeping herself engaged with gardening, reading, and leisurely walks. Loren’s dedication to her family remains unwavering.
Loren’s 88-Year-Old Appearance in Recent Family Photo Leaves Fans Astonished
In a recent, rare appearance, Loren attended her daughter-in-law Alexander’s 50th birthday celebration and shared photos from the event. In the snapshots, Loren exuded timeless elegance, dressed in a blue suit paired with a white blouse. She appeared genuinely happy, posing alongside her two sons and daughter-in-law.
Fans couldn’t contain their excitement upon seeing the 88-year-old icon in the photos, as she has chosen to lead a more private life in recent times. Social media was abuzz with compliments, applauding Loren’s timeless beauty and celebrating her as an iconic figure.
And the comments kept rolling in
“Great photos. When I saw the first one and saw where you were, I was about to ask how Mama was. She looks fantastic! Brava Sophia!” said one person. Another agreed, “Sophia looks good.” One Instagram user exclaimed, “OMG! Sophia looks as stunning as ever. That woman is a Classic Beauty!” Meanwhile, someone complimented Alexander, saying, “Sophia LOREN for a mother-in-law!!! Come ON!! Wow!”
Another comment praised Sasha Alexander, who starred in “Dawson’s Creek” alongside Katie Holmes and Chad Michael Murray, suggesting that she should consider herself extremely fortunate to have such an iconic woman in her life like Sophia Loren. The comment was accompanied by a blue heart emoji, emphasizing the admiration for Loren.
On a different note, another Instagram user complimented the “Houseboat” star, recalling how actor Cary Grant had persistently pursued her and even proposed marriage. The comment simply stated that Loren “looks fabulous.“
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