Sofia Costanza Brigida Villani Scicolone, known professionally as Sophia Loren, was born on September 20, 1934, in Rome, Italy. She began her career appearing in romans‑photos and films, and at age 15 she competed in the Miss Italia beauty contest in 1950 under the pseudonym Sofia Lazzaro, winning the Miss Élégance prize. Her first film role was as an uncredited extra in Quo Vadis (1951). She occasionally performed songs in her films, including “Zoo Be Zoo Be Zoo” in More Than a Miracle (1959). Loren is primarily known for her acting, particularly for her role in La ciociara (1960), which earned her the Oscar for Best Actress.