Renowned Hollywood star Claudia Cardinale, known for her iconic roles in various films over a career spanning more than six decades, has passed away.
Cardinale gained fame for her portrayal of youthful innocence in Federico Fellini’s 8½ and her acclaimed performance in Luchino Visconti’s adaptation of The Leopard in the 1960s. She also starred as a reformed prostitute in Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West in 1968, which propelled her into larger Hollywood productions.
While she received accolades for her recent work in Italian and French cinema, including a lifetime achievement award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2002 and the Best Actress award at the 47th Antalya International Film Festival in Turkey in 2010, Cardinale, aged 87, passed away at her residence in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children.
Beginning her cinematic journey at 17 after winning a beauty contest in Tunisia, Cardinale, born to Sicilian parents who had relocated to North Africa, caught the eye of the Italian film industry at the Venice Film Festival. Initially aspiring to be a school teacher, Cardinale was swiftly hailed as Italy’s equivalent of Brigitte Bardot for her confident on-screen presence.
Throughout her illustrious 65-year career, Cardinale took on a wide array of roles, including appearances in films like The Professionals alongside notable actors such as Burt Lancaster and Lee Marvin. Despite her success, Cardinale eventually returned to European cinema after growing disillusioned with Hollywood’s demands for exclusivity.
In 2000, Cardinale was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, advocating for women’s rights. She leaves behind a legacy that includes two children from her marriages and relationships with prominent figures in the film industry.