Unveiling a lesser-known facet, the world-renowned and iconic actress Sophia Loren shares a captivating bond with her younger sister, Maria. Often concealed from public knowledge, Maria had long been deemed illegitimate due to the circumstances of her parents’ unmarried status. While Sophia was officially recognized as their father’s daughter, Maria was unfortunately left abandoned. The girls resided with their mother and grandparents, and Maria never felt disadvantaged until her older sister embarked on her acting career.
As fate would have it, their mother eventually revealed the potential adverse impact of having an illegitimate sister on Sophia’s burgeoning career. This revelation led Maria to forego her education and retreat into seclusion. Nonetheless, she never held her sister accountable for the situation. In a time of great difficulty for their father, he approached Sophia for financial assistance, which she graciously provided under the condition that Maria’s last name be legally changed to match theirs. This marked the transformation of Maria into the recognized and legitimate sister of the magnificent Italian actress.
Although Maria possessed a remarkable singing talent, her mother discouraged her from pursuing a career in the spotlight, believing that one daughter’s presence in the entertainment industry was sufficient. Instead, she envisioned a different path for her younger daughter. Maria’s life took an unexpected turn when she crossed paths with Romano Mussolini, leading her into the embrace of the Italian politician’s family.The couple welcomed two children, Alessandra and Elisabetta, into their lives. However, Romano’s infidelity and marital woes led to their eventual divorce. The strain caused by her husband’s actions culminated in Maria’s hospitalization due to a heart attack. It was during this challenging period that she encountered her second husband, a doctor of Iranian descent.Despite the hardships they encountered, Maria and Sophia remained steadfastly close, their bond unbreakable through the test of time. Maria, while not as widely renowned as her sister, has carved a notable niche for herself in Italy. She has authored numerous esteemed cookbooks and gained recognition as a talented chef.