Anita Ekberg, the Swedish screen siren famous for La Dolce Vita, was reportedly devastated when she learned Sean Connery had married Australian actress Diane Cilento. Ekberg, one of Hollywood’s standout stars of the 1960s, had admired Connery before his high-profile nuptials. Her reaction is detailed in the posthumous memoir Hollywood on the Tiber by Hank Kaufman and Gene Lerner.
Sean Connery, known worldwide as James Bond, moved in the same Hollywood circles as Ekberg. The memoir describes the glamorous world of 1960s Rome while highlighting Ekberg’s candid responses to personal and professional events. Her frank personality and dedication to her craft made her unforgettable, and her fondness for Connery was clear to those who knew them.
Anita Ekberg and Sean Connery: A Hollywood Connection
Anita Ekberg and Sean Connery appeared together at a 1963 afterparty for Dr. No, the first James Bond film. Ekberg also made a cameo in From Russia With Love and appeared on a poster for her own movie Call Me Bwana. She reportedly told friends she felt “duped” when Connery married, showing how strongly she valued her connection with him.
Ekberg’s admiration for Sean Connery went beyond public appearances. She often praised his charm and professionalism. Though Connery married Cilento, his early relationship with Ekberg remains a fascinating Hollywood story.
Life Beyond the Headlines
Anita Ekberg continued her acting career, starring with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra in 4 for Texas. She remained outspoken and bold, never shying away from Hollywood’s highs and lows. Despite disappointments in love, she retained her iconic status and enduring influence on film.
Sean Connery’s life, including his marriage to Diane Cilento and controversial later statements, contrasted with Ekberg’s experiences. Still, both remain symbols of an era defined by glamour, charisma, and unforgettable cinema. Their intertwined histories continue to captivate fans worldwide.