For over sixty years, Claudia Cardinale has captivated audiences with her elegance, talent, and unforgettable presence on screen. Today, at 85, the legendary Italian actress reflects on a career that she says quite literally saved her life.
A Star Not by Design
Cardinale never set out to become one of the greatest film icons of her generation. Born in Tunisia to a multilingual family, she initially planned to pursue teaching. But fate intervened when, at just 18, she was crowned “The Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia” during a local film festival. The recognition led her to Venice, where producers quickly took notice of her striking beauty and natural magnetism.
Despite offers, she initially hesitated—pregnant at the time, she believed postponing her entry into film would only heighten her allure to producers. One filmmaker she couldn’t turn away, however, was Franco Cristaldi, who signed her to a long-term contract and later became her husband.
Rising Through Struggles
Cardinale’s path to stardom wasn’t without hardship. Behind her radiant performances, she endured deeply personal struggles, including the trauma of rape that resulted in the birth of her son, Patrick. For years, her pregnancy was kept secret under Cristaldi’s guidance.
Her breakout moment came in 1958 with Three Strangers in Rome, followed by acclaimed roles in Rocco and His Brothers, Fellini’s 8½, and Visconti’s The Leopard. Hollywood soon called, and she delivered memorable performances in The Pink Panther and Sergio Leone’s masterpiece Once Upon a Time in the West.
Though adored worldwide, Cardinale often pushed back against the pressures of Hollywood. She refused to conform to patriarchal expectations, declining roles that required nudity and prioritizing her integrity over financial reward.
Beyond the Spotlight
After parting ways with Cristaldi in 1975, Cardinale built a life with director Pasquale Squitieri, with whom she had a daughter, Claudia. While her acting career continued, she also devoted herself to advocacy, notably as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador for women’s rights.
Even in recent years, she has remained resilient. In 2022, she dismissed rumors about her health, assuring fans she was well and enjoying family life in France.
Claudia Cardinale’s enduring legacy lies not only in her body of work but in her remarkable strength. Through triumph and trauma, she held onto her values, proving that true stardom shines brightest when anchored in authenticity.
