For over 60 years, Italian screen legend Claudia Cardinale has graced both international and Italian cinema, sharing how acting became her lifeline. At 85, she reflects on a journey that shaped her sense of belonging and resilience. “I am a work of God, untouched by the trials of life,” she says, describing the profound role film has played in her personal and professional path.
Discovered at just 18 during a film festival in Tunisia, Cardinale was named “Most Beautiful Italian Girl.” Yet her rise to stardom was far from straightforward. An early trauma shaped her entry into the film industry, and although she initially refused offers due to a hidden pregnancy, she eventually signed an 18-year contract with producer Franco Cristaldi. Cristaldi molded her career and kept tight control over her personal life, even concealing her pregnancy from the public.
Through this challenging chapter, Cardinale’s star rose. She appeared in classics like Federico Fellini’s “8½” and Luchino Visconti’s “The Leopard,” later making her mark in Hollywood with films such as “The Pink Panther” and “Once Upon a Time in the West.” Frequently compared to Brigitte Bardot, she refused to appear nude, believing that allure came from imagination rather than exposure. Eventually, she walked away from Hollywood to stay true to herself, choosing integrity and authenticity over the allure of quick fame.
Today, Claudia Cardinale serves as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador and an advocate for women’s rights. Her journey, defined by resilience and conviction, inspires countless people across the globe. An icon of strength, grace, and self-respect, she reminds us all that true beauty lies in staying true to oneself.
