SOPHIA LOREN - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 3/1980 - HFSID 264401

SOPHIA LOREN
Sophia Loren sends an autograph letter to Erika Holzer about not being comfortable writing a lengthy letter in English but thanks for the letter.
Autograph Letter Signed: "much love Sophia", 2p, 6x3¾, front and verso. 32, Avenue George-V, Paris, 1980 March. To author Erika Holzer. Begins: "Dear Erika". In full: "Just few words to tell you how grateful I am for your intelligent, touch up letter. I do not possess the gift nor I have the time for writing a longer letter, as you deserve. It is always very hard for me to write in a language which is not my native one - I am happy of your literary career and I wish you 'in bocca al lupo'  as we say in Italy to wish you the best." Accompanied by 3-page carbon copy of previous letter from Holzer to which Loren was replying. Statuesque and sensuous SOPHIA LOREN was an established star in Italy by 1954, competing with Gina Lollobrigida for audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. After arriving in Hollywood in 1958, Loren was cast in sexually charged roles in such films as Desire Under the Elms, The Black Orchid and Heller in Pink Tights. In 1961, she returned to Italy to star in a definitely unglamorous role in Two Women, for which she received an Academy Award and the Cannes Festival Award. She also received a nomination for the 1965 Best Actress Oscar for portraying Filumena Marturano in Marriage Italian-Style. In 1991, Loren was awarded a Special Academy Award "for a career rich with memorable performances that has added permanent luster to our art form". Her other films include The Black Orchid, El Cid, Boy on a Dolphin, It Started in Naples and Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. In 1980, the year she wrote this letter, the made-for-TV movie, Sophia Loren: Her Own Story, aired. In 1995, at age 61, Loren starred in Grumpier Old Men with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, proving that her beauty and sex appeal are timeless. Lawyer turned author ERIKA HOLZER wrote two novels, Double Crossing (1983), a human rights espionage drama, and Eye for an Eye (1994), which was filmed in 1996. She sought endorsements for her 1983 novel from prominent writers of the day and other celebrities, such as Loren, to whom she sent a copy of her book. Lightly creased. Ink smudged at 2 words, staple holes at upper left margin touch 2 words on front. Slightly soiled. Overall, fine condition.