Throwback Thursday: In 1956, Miss Sweden Anita Ekberg Dazzled at the Golden Globes — hollywoodreporter.com

This story first appeared in a special awards issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. At age 19, Sweden-born Anita Ekberg lost the Miss Universe crown -- but won a Universal contract. It was 1950, and the new Miss Sweden had flown to America to compete in the pageant. As one of six finalists, she scored a studio contract and, with Universal's push, became widely recognized as a pinup model, gracing the pages of fashion and men's magazines across the country. Brief screen appearances led to a role in Blood Alley alongside John Wayne and Lauren Bacall.

Read More