In February 2019, burlesque performer Alexandra the Great 48 passed away at age 79, leaving behind a legacy as a performer and beautician. Discovered at age 25, the performer spent 15 years headlining burlesque shows all over the world, before retiring from the stage to become a beautician and ultimately launch her own beauty product line. From an early age, Alexandra the Great 48 drew attention for her striking looks. As a teenager, she won a Sophia Loren look-a-like contest for her resemblance to the actress she idolized.

Now 84, Loren is returning to acting after ten years. She will star in “La vita davanti a se” (The Life Ahead), a film directed by her son, Edoardo Ponti. Loren will play a Holocaust survivor named Madame Rosa, who forges a connection with a 12-year-old boy, an immigrant from Senegal.

This is the third time the actress has been directed by her son, and she appreciates how deeply he knows her. Mr. Ponti feels his mother is in top form, approaching her work with energy and passion.