In 1950, 15-year-old Sophia Loren (born Sofia Villani Scicolone) competed for the Miss Roma title in her native Rome. Entered under the name Sophia Lazzaro, the local starlet missed the top gong but did scoop the Miss Elegance’ prize, a title created especially for her.
Anna Maria Bugliari was crowned overall winner. Like Loren, Bugliari would become an actress, appearing in four films between 1951 and 1953.
Sophia Loren as a contestant in the ‘Miss Italy’ Contest. She entered under the name Sophia Lazzaro and came away with the ‘Miss Elegance’ prize – 1950
Sophia Loren as a contestant in the ‘Miss Italy’ Contest. She entered under the name Sophia Lazzaro and came away with the ‘Miss Elegance’ prize – 1950
Sophia Loren as a contestant in the ‘Miss Italy’ Contest. She entered under the name Sophia Lazzaro and came away with the ‘Miss Elegance’ prize – 1950
Sophia Loren at the beginning of her career – 1950s
Thanks to reader Paola for telling us: “Sophia entered the “Miss Rome” competition, and if you notice, all the contestants are actually from Rome. Their pin reads “Lazio”, because it was the Lazio competition. If you won “Miss Rome” then you could enter the “Miss Italy” competition, which Loren never got to.”
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