Knighted by the Italian Republic, international icon Marcello Mastroianni certified his spot as a cinematic legend thanks to his starring roles in the Federico Fellini classics La Dolce Vita (1960) and 8-1/2 (1963). The two also collaborated on City of Women (1980) and Ginger and Fred (1986). However, Marcello’s most frequent professional partner is Italian sexpot Sophia Loren. Throughout his career, the luscious leads co-starred in dramas (Sunflower, A Special Day, Blood Feud) and comedies (A Slice of Life; Too Bad She’s Bad; The Miller’s Beautiful Wife; What a Woman!; Marriage Italian-Style; Ghosts, Italian Style; The Priest’s Wife; Gun Moll; Ready to Wear; Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow). With France’s blond goddess Catherine Deneuve, Marcello made more movies (One Hundred and One Nights, A Slightly Pregnant Man, Don’t Touch the White Woman, The Incredible Mr. Piccoli, Liza, It Only Happens to Others) as well as daughter/actress Chiara Mastroianni. The Latin lover also appeared opposite American star Faye Dunaway onscreen (A Place for Lovers) and off. But as a devout Catholic, Marcello remained married to his wife Flora Carabella, with whom he had daughter/costume designer Barbara Mastroianni. Alas, she died in 2018, years after Marcello did in 1996. During his lifetime, Mastroianni received two BAFTAs, two Golden Globes, three Oscar nominations, and two Best Actor awards at the Venice and Cannes film festivals. But he won us over with the X-rated flick La Grande Bouffe (1973). When Marcello flashes his ass while riding a woman in bed, the dude proves he’s an Italian stallion!
