Sophia Loren Slams Social Media, Selfie Culture


Sophia Loren slammed social media, and its impact on Hollywood, during a recent interview. The 81-year-old actress admits she has limited knowledge about social media in general. However, she is disturbed that selfies and social media have seemingly replaced genuine “skill and talent.”

A native of Rome, Italy, Sofia Villani Scicolone was raised by a single mother in Pozzuoli. Although her mother worked as an actress, she constantly struggled to make ends meet. As a result, Sofia and her family lived in poverty.

Throughout her childhood, Sofia suffered bullying due to her slim figure. As reported by Biography, her schoolmates often referred to her as “little stick” because she was so thin. Thankfully, the teasing ceased when Sofia turned 14, as she “blossomed, seemingly overnight, from a frail child into a beautiful and voluptuous woman.”

As she and her mother shared dreams of becoming famous actresses, they moved back to Rome when Sofia was 15. Although she was cast as an extra, the teen made her film debut in Mervyn Le Roy’s Quo Vadis, at the age of 16.

One year later, Sofia Villani Scicolone adopted the screen name Sophia Loren.

Sophia’s film career continued to blossom throughout the mid 1950s, with leading roles in Aida and The Gold of Naples. However, she got her big break with a role in the 1957 film The Pride and the Passion — which also starred Cary Grant and Frank Sinatra.

Over the next three decades, Loren appeared in numerous American, French, and Italian films, including The Fall of the Roman Empire, Judith, and Brass Target.

Throughout her career, the legendary actress was honored with numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, five American Golden Globes, seven Bambi Awards, and ten David di Donatello Awards.

After realizing great success as an actress, Sophia Loren began dabbling in other business ventures, including the creation of her signature perfume and eyeglass frames. She later wrote and published a book titled Women and Beauty.

Although she took a break from acting to raise her children, Sophia starred in several films throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including Grumpier Old Men and Nine. She also continues to make public appearances around the world.

Most recently, she attended New York City’s National Arts Awards, where she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

While attending the the star-studded event, Sophia Loren spoke with a reporter from Page Six. During the brief interview, Loren had some harsh words about social media, selfies, and their impact on Hollywood.

“In my time… an actress’ merit and skill was based on her talent… I do not know much about social media, but it seems that that’s what makes people more famous. My era of Hollywood was much better — you were known for your skill and talent.”

Although she is rumored to have had numerous plastic surgery procedures, the legendary actress issued a warning to other women who wish to enhance their own appearance through similar procedures.

“These young girls really need to be more careful and selective of what they are doing to their bodies and their faces. I mean, you do not know for sure if you are going to a good doctor.?.?. you can end up looking worse than what you thought you originally were.”

With a career that has spanned decades, Sophia Loren remains one of Hollywood’s most legendary actresses. She is known around the world for her style, grace, and enduring talent. Although she had some harsh words about social media and selfie culture, she remains a true inspiration for young actors and actress around the world.

[Photo by Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images]

Share this article: Sophia Loren Slams Social Media, Selfie Culture
More from Inquisitr