Seen as one of the first cinematic sex symbols, Sophia Loren"s charisma and voluptuous figure attracted many admirers. Yet her life away from the cameras may surprise some—she was married to Carlo Ponti, film producer, throughout her career and until his recent death. She also struggled to become a mother and considered her two children her greatest accomplishment. Loren came from impoverished roots to become possibly the greatest Italian actress of her time. Her many films included Houseboat; Two Women, for which she won an Academy Award; The Fall of the Roman Empire; and The Millionairess. She also loved to sing, adding to her sex appeal with her seductive voice. Sophia Loren: A Life in Pictures illustrates the variety and contrasts in Loren"s private and public persona, with wonderful pictures and an incisive biography.