Claudia Cardinale, a dazzling figure of Italian cinema, has passed away at the age of 87. Born in Tunisia to Sicilian parents, Claudia entered the film world in 1957 after winning a beauty contest. This opportunity led her to the Venice Film Festival, where her journey began.
Her early career faced challenges. For her initial Italian films, she had to dub her voice because she grew up speaking Sicilian and attended a French-speaking school. A significant personal struggle was her secret pregnancy in 1958, which happened due to an abusive relationship. She gave birth to her son, Patrick, in London. For years, she introduced him as a younger brother while her parents raised him.
Claudia’s big break came in 1963 with Federico Fellini’s iconic film 8½ and in The Leopard alongside Burt Lancaster. Juggling both films at the same time posed unique challenges; she had to change her hair color for each role.
In a 2013 interview, she shared her experiences with directors, contrasting the chaotic style of Fellini with the serious, theatrical approach of Luchino Visconti. Her rising star brought her to Hollywood, and she featured in notable films like The Pink Panther and Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West.
However, the 1970s were tough for her. After separating from film producer Franco Cristaldi, she entered a relationship with director Pasquale Squitieri, with whom she had another daughter named Claudia. Cristaldi’s influence led to her being sidelined in the industry, even losing roles in major films like Visconti’s The Innocent.
Despite these struggles, Claudia was resilient. Franco Zeffirelli helped revive her career, casting her in the acclaimed miniseries Jesus of Nazareth. She continued working with various European directors, showcasing her versatility.
Known for her husky voice and independent spirit, Claudia once famously defied Vatican rules by meeting Pope Paul VI in a miniskirt. Over the years, she built connections with French presidents and returned to theater in the early 2000s, earning praise for her stage performances.
In 2002, she received a lifetime achievement award at the Berlin Film Festival. Reflecting on her career, she said, “I’ve lived more than 150 lives – prostitute, saint, romantic, every kind of woman.” Claudia’s legacy lives on not just through her films but also through her spirit—an embodiment of the transformative power of acting.
With her passing, the film world has lost a true pioneer who navigated through personal and professional hurdles with grace. In recent decades, conversations around female representation and independence in film have only grown stronger, making her contributions ever more relevant.
For more on Claudia Cardinale’s remarkable life and career, you can read a detailed interview here.
