Italian actress Claudia Cardinale, renowned for her roles in iconic European films from the 1960s and 1970s, passed away in France at the age of 87, confirmed her agent on Wednesday. Cardinale, who starred in over 100 films, including Federico Fellini’s “8½” and Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon a Time in the West,” died in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children.
Tributes honoring Cardinale’s talent and influence on European cinema flooded in, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing that the French would forever cherish the Italian actress in their hearts and in the realm of cinema. Known for her roles in “The Leopard” and “Once Upon a Time in the West,” Cardinale’s career was described as an “accident” by Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, who praised her exceptional beauty and talent.
Cardinale began her acting journey at 17 after winning a beauty contest in Tunisia, where she was born to Sicilian parents. Despite initially rejecting offers to enter the film industry, she eventually embraced her acting career, becoming a prominent figure in European and Hollywood cinema. Cardinale’s Hollywood ventures included collaborations with Peter Sellers, David Niven, and Rock Hudson, but she remained loyal to European filmmaking.
Acknowledged with numerous accolades, including a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival, Cardinale’s legacy extends beyond her on-screen performances. In 2000, she was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for the UN, advocating for women’s rights. Cardinale leaves behind a lasting impact on the film industry, survived by her children from different relationships.