Sophia Loren as Supporting Roles: 5 Times Star Shined Without Being Lead Actress

Sophia Loren commanded the stage, regardless of whether the Italian actress was cast as the lead role. Most of these smaller, supportive roles took place early in her career before she was well known.

In 1958, Loren signed a contract with Paramount for five films. This move catapulted her career into stardom, and she typically appeared as a leading lady after that, according to Italy Magazine.

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Here are five times Loren's sultry presence captured audience's hearts as a supporting actress:

1. "Anna" (1951)

In this Italian film that marked one of Loren's earlier movies, she plays a small part as a nightclub assistant. The main character Anna, played by Silvana Mangano, is a nun and nurse with a scandalous past.

2. "Quo Vadis" (1951)

This small, early role marked the beginning of Loren's illustrious career, according to Italy magazine. The movie is a love story that takes place during the rule of Roman emperor Nero, who persecuted against Christians. One of the main characters is a gladiator who falls in love with a maligned Christian woman. Loren plays a small role as a slave, in this first American film, which was shot in Italy, according to the Internet Movie Database (IMDb).

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3. "Tratta delle Bianche" (1952)

Loren continued to refine her acting skills in this movie, which translates to "The White Slave Trade" or "Girls Marked Danger." The movie depicts a man who hosts fake dance contests to ensnare women into the prostitution ring he runs. Loren's small role as Elvira paved the way for the larger ones that would soon come.

4. "La Favorita" (1952)

This movie, in which Loren also played a small role, was pivotal because it was the first time she appeared with the name Sophia Loren. Before that, she had gone by Sofia Lazzaro, according to Italy magazine. The movie is an opera that takes place in the 14th century. A king's high-ranking warrior falls in love with a royal lady and tragedy ensues.

5. "Pret-a-Porter" (1994)

The French movie, which translates to "Ready to Wear," follows the hectic and glamorous lives of designers, models, and insiders during Paris Fashion Week. In this movie, Loren plays the role of Isabella, who meets an old lover, played by frequent co-star Marcello Mastroianni. Despite an all-star cast including Kim Basinger and Julia Roberts, Loren snagged a Golden Globe nomination for her role as a supporting actress, according to IMDb.

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