Sophia Loren, celebrated Italian actress, has only been married to the late Italian film producer Carlo Ponti. Their love story began at a beauty contest in Rome, where Ponti, 22 years her senior, was on the jury. “It was love at first sight for both of us,” Loren recalled. Despite the age gap and Ponti’s existing marriage, their connection grew.

Loren’s Hollywood career took off when she starred in “The Pride and the Passion,” during which she was courted by co-star Cary Grant. Loren admitted, “Grant wanted so badly to be with Loren.” However, she chose Ponti over Grant, saying, “I was terribly afraid of what the reaction would have been if I had left Italy.”

Loren and Ponti married in 1966, facing legal issues due to Ponti’s previous marriage. Their union was deemed invalid in Italy, leading to bigamy charges. Loren also experienced heartbreaking miscarriages before they had their two sons, Carlo Jr. and Edoardo. Despite these struggles, Loren described motherhood as “the greatest, sweetest, most indescribable joy.”

After Ponti’s death in 2007, Loren struggled with his loss, stating, “I miss Carlo very much, my husband.” Despite this, she made a comeback in the 2020 Netflix drama “The Life Ahead,” directed by her son Edoardo. Loren explained, “I stopped making films for a long time but was very happy because I saw my children grow up.” At 89, she continues to prioritize her family while occasionally returning to acting.