Sophia Loren has had an incredible career throughout the years, yet her roles as “mom” and “grandma” might be her favorite ones yet.
“I live for my family,” Loren told Today in 2016. “I have the most beautiful grandchildren that I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m happy! I live a wonderful life.”
Loren was married to Carlo Ponti until his death in 2007. Together, they shared two sons.
In the years since sons Carlo Jr. and Edoardo grew up and started their own families, Loren moved to Switzerland but remained tight with her brood.
Sophia Loren has no plans of slowing down in Hollywood. With a lifetime of legendary work being showcased at Los Angeles’ Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in November, the celebrated Italian actress made it clear that legacy is the last thing on her mind. “I don’t want to think about legacy,” Loren, 90, told Deadline […]
“My grandmother and I are very close,” granddaughter Lucia told Hello! in November 2024. “We visit her frequently in Geneva and she comes to visit us in L.A. as well. I love her dearly and despite the distance, we spend ample time together.”
She added, “I admire her dedication to her values. She never forgoes her own authentic self to fit the expectations of others around her. I am infinitely inspired by her and always feel grateful to have such an amazing role model to look up to.”
Keep scrolling to meet Loren’s family:
Carlo Ponti
Carlo Ponti Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images
Loren first met Ponti, an Italian director, when she was visiting Rome at age 16. He was 37 at the time. They wed 11 years later.
“I finished the film Houseboat [with Cary Grant], and I went back to Italy to continue my career,” Loren recalled on The View in 2016. “Many days went by, years went by and I decided that the man of my life was Carlo — and still is Carlo even though he’s not with us anymore.”
She added, “He has been my mentor [and] I owe him everything I obtain from my career now because he had a lot of belief in me.”
Carlo Ponti Jr.
Carlo Ponti Jr. Victor Chavez/WireImage
Loren and Ponti welcomed their first child in 1968. After Carlo Jr. went on to become a conductor, he found love with violinist Andrea Meszaros. They tied the knot in 2004.
Vittorio Ponti
Carlo Jr. and Andrea share son Vittorio, who was born in 2007.
Beatrice Ponti
Andrea gave birth to her and Carlo Jr.’s second child, a daughter, in 2012.
Edoardo Ponti
Edoardo Ponti Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Fendi
Loren gave birth to her second son in 1973. He grew up to be a director and screenwriter, best known for Between Strangers, Human Voice and The Life Ahead. In his personal life, Edoardo married Sasha Alexander in 2007.
Lucia Sofia Ponti
Lucia, named after her grandmother, is Edoardo and Sasha’s first child. She was born in 2006. When Lucia was 18, she made her official society debut at Paris’ famed Le Bal des Débutantes in 2024.
“Well, this happened. As a parent, you are never ready for this moment. It was emotional and beautiful and tough,” Sasha wrote via Instagram in September 2024, sending Lucia off for her first year at Brown University. “May this new journey be filled with light, learning and memories. We are so proud of you L. 💕”
Leonardo Fortunato Ponti
Sasha Alexander, Edoardo Ponti and children Lucia Sofia Ponti, Leonardo Fortunato Ponti Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Edoardo and Sasha welcomed baby No. 2 in 2010.