Her life changed in 1950, when at the age of fifteen, Sofia entered and won her first beauty contest. Thanks to the prize money she and her mother were able to return to Rome. This Miss Elegance title led her father to complain, citing alleged prostitution; however, it was also made directors and producers notice her for the first time. Among them was Carlo Ponti, who was to become her future husband. The Franco-Italian film producer offered her a seven-year contract to act in his films. Thus began not only a professional partnership, but also an intense love affair. Ponti, then 38 years old, was married with two children. In 1956, he went to Mexico and obtained a divorce, which was not yet allowed in Italy. In 1965, Ponti also officially divorced in France and married Loren. Their long marriage, in which the two had two children, lasted until the latter’s death.
