Sophia Loren: Screen Legend’s Health Crisis

Sophia Loren is in agony from crumbling her hips — leaving the screen legend barely able to walk! Now pals have told The National ENQUIRER that they fear the medical crisis spells a tragic end for the former film goddess! The Italian sex symbol, 82, suddenly axed her show, “An Evening with Sophia Loren,” at venues in Texas, Florida and California. Promoters cited “unforeseen circumstances” that are reportedly a cover for Sophia's crippling along!

Insiders claim that Sophia has spent time practically bedridden at her Geneva, Switzerland, home. On many days, the aging screen siren is said to be unable to walk on her own. “Sophia has suffered agonizing and debilitating pain in her hips for months, and finally it became too much for her,” said a source. “She retreated to her home, desperate to find relief. Suddenly canceling her shows has us worried she’s fading fast!”

“She refuses to use a wheelchair in public,” added a source, saying that Sophia is only able to walk with help from her assistant and her son Edoardo. A rep for Sophia denies she’s in poor health — but, besides her hip agony, the brave bombshell actress is reportedly plagued by arthritis and an irregular heartbeat which she first suffered in 1998. “I’m still in fear of that horrible sensation that death is catching up with me,” she’s admitted. Sophia has vowed to reschedule her shows, said the insider: “But you have to worry whether she can recover — or if this is her final curtain!”