Claudia Cardinale, Icon of 8½ and The Leopard, Passes Away at 87
Claudia Cardinale: A Legendary Italian Actress Passes Away
Renowned Italian actress Claudia Cardinale, known for her remarkable performances in European cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, has passed away at the age of 87, as reported by AFP.
An Iconic Film Career
Throughout her career, Cardinale appeared in over 100 films and made-for-TV productions. She gained widespread acclaim for portraying youthful innocence in Federico Fellini’s masterpiece, 8½, opposite Marcello Mastroianni in 1963.
That same year, she earned admiration for her role as Angelica Sedara in Luchino Visconti’s acclaimed adaptation of The Leopard. Cardinale also delivered a standout performance as a transformed prostitute in Sergio Leone’s spaghetti western, Once Upon a Time in the West, released in 1968.
Final Moments and Early Life
Cardinale passed away in Nemours, France, with her children by her side, as confirmed by her agent Laurent Savry. Cardinale embarked on her film journey at just 17 after winning a beauty pageant in Tunisia. Raised by Sicilian parents, she garnered attention at the Venice Film Festival, paving her way into the Italian film industry.
Before her entry into acting, she envisioned a career as a school teacher. Reflecting on her unexpected stardom, Cardinale remarked, “The fact I’m making movies is just an accident.” She recalled how she initially declined offers to act until she was persuaded over several months.
Comparisons and Achievements
Cardinale’s rise followed that of Sophia Loren, as she was often likened to France’s Brigitte Bardot. While she may not have reached the same zenith of fame, she became a significant star, collaborating with esteemed directors in both Europe and Hollywood.
“They gave me everything,” she expressed. “It’s marvellous to live so many lives. I’ve been living more than 150 lives, totally different women.”
Notable Films and Recognition
One of her early roles featured her as a black-clad Sicilian in the classic comedy Big Deal on Madonna Street in 1958. Her early career was managed by Franco Cristaldi, whom she married from 1966 to 1975.
Cardinale’s Hollywood endeavors yielded mixed results, as she remained committed to her European roots. Nevertheless, she enjoyed notable successes, particularly in films such as Blindfold with Rock Hudson in 1965 and Don’t Make Waves opposite Tony Curtis in 1967.
She often cited The Professionals (1966), directed by Richard Brooks, as her best work in Hollywood, co-starring alongside Burt Lancaster and other legends.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Throughout her illustrious career, Cardinale received a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival, nearly 40 years post her film debut. In 2000, she became a goodwill ambassador for UNESCO, advocating for women’s rights.
Claudia Cardinale is survived by her two children, one with Cristaldi and another with her partner, Italian director Pasquale Squitieri.
How will you remember Claudia Cardinale and her contributions to cinema?
