Have you heard of Enrica Soma? While her name may not be as well-known as her famous husband John Huston or daughter Anjelica Huston, Enrica lived a fascinating life filled with dance, fashion, love, and tragedy. Let’s explore the story of this remarkable woman, from her early days as a rising star ballerina to her untimely death.
Who is Enrica Soma?
Enrica Georgia Soma, affectionately called “Ricki”, was born on May 9, 1929, in Manhattan, New York. Her parents, Antonio Angelo “Tony” Soma and Angelica Fantoni, were Italian immigrants. Tony ran a popular Manhattan eatery called Tony’s Wife restaurant.
From a young age, Enrica’s striking beauty and graceful poise were apparent. Her father encouraged her to pursue an entertainment career. She had all the makings of a star – and would go on to make a name for herself as both a dancer and model.
Early Life and Background
Enrica began studying ballet seriously at a young age. She was privileged to learn from the legendary choreographer George Balanchine himself. Her talent and dedication paid off – by her late teens, Enrica had become a principal dancer with the prestigious New York City Ballet company.
The ballet wasn’t Enrica’s only passion. In 1947, at the tender age of 18, she graced the cover of Life Magazine. The June 9th issue brought Enrica widespread attention and acclaim. She caught the eye of famed photographer Philippe Halsman, who was taken with her photogenic beauty. The two collaborated on several captivating photo shoots.
Enrica’s star was on the rise in the late 1940s. She was a true triple threat, excelling at dance, modelling, and charming everyone she met. But it was a fateful meeting with a Hollywood icon that would change the course of her life forever.
Career in Dance and Modeling
As a principal ballerina with the New York City Ballet, Enrica wowed audiences with her impeccable technique and emotive performances. She was a muse to George Balanchine, one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. He created several famous roles and pieces with her in mind.
When she wasn’t pirouetting across the stage, Enrica was often in front of a camera. Her 1947 Life Magazine cover made her a recognizable face across the country. She worked closely with Philippe Halsman, a photographer known for his iconic portraits of celebrities and public figures like Albert Einstein and Marilyn Monroe.
Enrica’s beauty was otherworldly. With her high cheekbones, full lips, and soulful eyes, she was a photographer’s dream. Her innate elegance and expressive features made her a natural model. Yet Enrica was more than just a pretty face. She had an undeniable presence and charisma that drew people to her.
Marriage to John Huston
In 1950, 20-year-old Enrica Soma met 44-year-old John Huston, a famed film director and actor. Despite their significant age gap, the two fell deeply in love. They married later that year, while Enrica was pregnant with their first child.
John and Enrica made a striking couple, but their relationship was far from perfect. Huston’s career kept him away from home for long periods. Both partners engaged in extramarital affairs. In 1962, John fathered a child with actress Zoe Sallis. Then in 1964, Enrica had a daughter named Allegra with British historian John Julius Norwich.
The Huston-Soma household was unconventional, to say the least. But it produced some incredible creative talents. Their son Tony Huston grew up to be an actor and screenwriter. Their daughter Anjelica Huston became a decorated actress and director in her own right.
Sadly, Enrica and John’s tumultuous marriage didn’t last. In 1960, Enrica left John and moved to London with their children. Less than a decade later, she would meet an untimely end. But first, let’s reflect on Enrica’s incredible life and legacy.
Career From Ballet to the Big Screen
Soma’s father, who ran the popular Tony’s Wife restaurant in Manhattan, encouraged her to pursue an entertainment career. She studied ballet under the tutelage of the legendary George Balanchine and became a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet.
Her grace and beauty caught the eye of the nation when she graced the cover of Life Magazine in 1947 at the tender age of 18. This exposure led to collaborations with renowned photographer Philippe Halsman, further cementing her status as a rising star.
Love, Marriage, and Motherhood
In 1950, at the age of 20 and pregnant with their first child, Soma married the charismatic director John Huston. Their union produced three children: Walter Antony (Tony), Anjelica, and Allegra.
However, their marriage was far from perfect. The significant age gap between Soma and Huston, coupled with his frequent absences due to film projects, strained their relationship. Both engaged in extramarital affairs, with Soma’s liaison with John Julius Norwich resulting in the birth of Allegra in 1964.
A Life Cut Short
Despite the challenges in her personal life, Soma remained a devoted mother to her children. In 1960, she moved to London with the kids, seeking a fresh start away from the tumultuous marriage.
Tragically, on January 29, 1969, at the age of just 39, Soma’s life was cut short in a devastating car accident in Dijon, France. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left her children grappling with an immeasurable loss.
A Lasting Legacy
Enrica Soma’s legacy lives on through her children, who have each made their mark in the world of entertainment. Anjelica Huston, in particular, has carried her mother’s grace and talent into a successful acting career, earning an Academy Award along the way.
Beyond her family, Soma’s impact can be felt in the realms of dance, fashion, and photography. Her ethereal beauty and undeniable presence continue to inspire artists and admirers alike, ensuring that her memory will endure for generations to come.
Conclusion
Enrica Soma’s life may have been brief, but it was a brilliant flame that burned with passion, creativity, and resilience. From her early days as a ballerina to her roles as a mother and muse, Soma left an indelible imprint on all who knew her.
Though her story is tinged with tragedy, it is also one of love, art, and the unbreakable bonds of family. As we remember Enrica Soma, we celebrate a woman who dared to dream, to create, and to live life to the fullest, no matter the obstacles in her path.
Read also:
