Sophia Loren (; ; born
Sofia Villani Scicolone , 20 September 1934) is an
Italian film actress. She began her career at age 14 after entering a beauty pageant in 1949. Encouraged to enroll in acting lessons, Loren appeared in several bit parts and minor roles until the late 1950s when Loren's five-picture contract with
Paramount launched her international career. Notable film appearances around this time include
Houseboat,
That Kind of Woman, and
It Started in Naples.