Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 27, 2025 · Entertainment

Sophia Loren's Son Reveals How Carlo Ponti Was Her 'Father Figure'

Sophia Loren's son has described how her husband Carlo Ponti - who was 37 when he began an affair with the legendary 15-year-old actress in 1950 - acted as a 'father figure' for his mother. Both pictured in 1966

Sophia Loren's Turbulent Love Affair with 37-Year-Old Husband Exposed

In a shocking revelation, Sophia Loren's son Edoardo Ponti has spilled all about his mother's tumultuous relationship with her husband Carlo Ponti, who was 22 years older than the legendary actress. The 52-year-old director has opened up to The Times about how his father's marriage proposal in 1957 led to a messy divorce and annulment, which ultimately resulted in Sophia and Carlo becoming international fugitives.

The scandalous affair between Carlo and Sophia began in 1950 when they met at a small town beauty pageant. At the time, Carlo was married to Giuliana Fiastri, but he soon became infatuated with the young Sophia Loren, who was just 15 years old. Edoardo Ponti revealed that his mother had always felt a paternal fondness for his father, and Carlo's presence in her life provided a sense of security and protection she desperately craved.

Speaking to The Times , director Edoardo Ponti, 52, (pictured with his mother in 2015) spoke of the how the age gap affected the budding star, who is now 90

Sophia grew up without knowing her real father well, as he abandoned the family when she was just a baby. Her mother Romilda relocated them to Rome at around 16, but Sophia refused to leave the city, much to her mother's dismay. This early independence would become a defining trait of Sophia's life and career.

Edoardo Ponti explained that his mother's characters on screen were all born from the trauma she experienced as a child. "She understood that poverty for an artist is gold," he said. "Adversity, not knowing where your next meal was going to come from, all those elements create such a wealth of inner life." This resilience would serve Sophia well throughout her career, as she became one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood.

Carlo Ponti's influence on Sophia's early career cannot be overstated. He helped launch her as a star by casting her in some of her first leading roles, including Anna and I Dream Of Zorro. As their relationship deepened, Sophia revealed that Carlo gave her a sense of stability and security she had never known before.

Affectionate affair: The couple first met in 1950 and shortly started dating when he was already married

However, their love was forbidden in Italy at the time, as Carlo was still married to Giuliana. The couple eventually worked out a deal with Giuliana, who agreed to divorce Carlo under French law in 1965. The following year, Carlo remarried Sophia in a civil ceremony, and they went on to have two sons together.

Sophia has always spoken fondly of her husband, describing him as "someone in my life forever." She even said that she was content to have someone by her side who knew how to speak to her and give her advice. But despite their deep love for each other, the couple faced numerous challenges throughout their lives together.

In 1962, they annulled their marriage due to the concubinage laws in Italy, which would have put them behind bars if they had stayed together. The couple eventually obtained French citizenship and settled down in Paris.

Sophia has previously recounted meeting her husband at a small town beauty pageant. Pictured when they were younger

Sophia's children have spoken out about their mother's humility and kindness. Edoardo Ponti revealed that his brother Carlo often complained that their mother was "not like the others" at school drop-off, as she would wear jeans to blend in with the crowd.

Today, Sophia remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, despite not appearing on screen since her 2009 film Nine. She has kept busy by dubbing roles for other films and working on various projects behind the camera.

As Sophia celebrates her 90th birthday, it's clear that her legacy extends far beyond her stunning looks and captivating performances on screen. Her ability to navigate the complexities of love and relationships with integrity and class is a testament to her strength and character.

Two years later the couple welcomed their first child Carlo Ponti, Jr and another son, Edoardo, in 1973; their eldest is an orchestra conductor while the latter is a director whose debut film Between Strangers also starred his mother

A Family Affair

Sophia Loren's family has always been at the forefront of her life and career. Her husband Carlo Ponti passed away in 2007, leaving behind two sons, Edoardo and Carlo Jr. Both boys have followed in their father's footsteps, with Edoardo becoming a director and Carlo an orchestra conductor.

The couple also has four grandchildren who live in California. Sophia regularly stays in touch with them through FaceTime during lockdown, chatting daily with her family about their lives.

Sophia drew international acclaim for the 1960 film Two Women which was also about the ravages of World War II in her native Italy

A Life of Joy

Sophia remains committed to enjoying the simple things in life. "My approach to life is very simple," she told Closer Weekly. "I enjoy all the good news that my children tell me about their lives." She also spoke fondly of living in Geneva, where she gave birth to both her sons.

"It's calm here," Sophia said. "When you live in a big city like Rome or New York, there are so many things going on and the streets and cars. Here, it's a really peaceful place."

She has kept working since Nine - she dubbed a role in Italian for the 2011 Pixar movie Cars 2 and has appeared in a short film. Pictured in 2019, Sophia receiving the Lifetime Achievement award during the European Culture Awards

A Lasting Legacy

Sophia Loren's impact on Hollywood cannot be overstated. She remains one of the most iconic actresses of all time, with a career spanning over six decades. Her ability to navigate the complexities of love and relationships with integrity and class is a testament to her strength and character.

As Sophia celebrates her 90th birthday, it's clear that her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.