Film Fans Mourn the Deaths of Two Actors

Movie fans are mourning the deaths of two actors today.

Anita Ekberg –

The Swedish-born actress and sex-symbol of the 1950s and ’60s who was immortalized bathing in the Trevi fountain in “La Dolce Vita,” has died. She was 83.

Ekberg’s lawyer Patrizia Ubaldi confirmed her death Sunday. She said Ekberg had been hospitalized most recently after Christmas following a series of illnesses.

Ekberg had long lived in Italy, the country that gave her worldwide fame thanks to the iconic dip opposite Marcello Mastroianni, one of the most famous images in film history.

Even as she became one of Sweden’s most famous exports, Ekberg maintained a problematic relation with her native country. She never starred in a Swedish film and was often at odds with Swedish journalists, who criticized her for leaving the country.

Taylor Negron –

“Fast Times at Ridgemont High” actor and comedian Taylor Negron has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 57.

Cousin Chuck Negron, the former lead singer for 1970s band Three Dog Night, announced his death.

“I want to inform you that my cousin Taylor Negron just passed away,” he said in a YouTube video posted Saturday. “His mother, his brother, Alex, and my brother, Rene, and his wife … were all there with him. May he rest in peace.”

If you’re having trouble placing Negron, think back to the iconic pizza delivery scene in 1982’s “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” He was the guy who interrupted Mr. Hand’s class to drop off a pizza for Jeff Spicoli, played by a young Sean Penn.

While seldom playing any big roles over the years, Negron kept busy in Hollywood. IMDb.com lists 130 acting credits. He played the bad guy in “The Last Boy Scout,” with Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans. He also had parts in a host of TV shows, including “Friends,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “Seinfeld,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

Negron was also popular as a stand-up comic and was eulogized some of the biggest names in the business.