Introduction to a Legendary Actress
The Italian legend Claudia Cardinale died in Nemours, France at the age of 87, her agent said on Tuesday. Cardinale was surrounded by her family at the time of her death, according to her agent.
A Star of the Silver Screen
The famous star played the leading role in some of the most famous films of the 1960s and 1970s and promoted the audience around the world with her unique look, which made her the Muse of filmmakers. The Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli called her "one of the greatest Italian actresses of all time" and the embodiment of "Italian grace".
An Icon of Italian Cinema
Cardinale was born in Tunis in 1938 as the child of Sicilian parents and spoke French, Arabic, and Sicilian. She described her childhood in the North African country as a "golden age" full of "magical moments". Cardinal’s career began at the age of 17 after winning a beauty competition that crowned her "most beautiful Italian in Tunis". This was her admission ticket to the Venice Film Festival and led to her appearing in more than 100 films for over five decades.
Notable Works and Collaborations
She is best known for her work in Federico Fellini’s "8½", Luchino Visconti’s "The Leopard", and Sergio Leone’s "Once Upon a Time in the West". She worked with leading directors in Europe and Hollywood and played alongside actors such as Marcello Mastroianni, Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon, and Henry Fonda. She also received critical recognition for her theater performances. Her awards include the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Golden Bear at the Berlinale.
An Advocate for Women’s Rights
In addition to Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida, Cardinale was often described as one of the three large icons in Italy. She received accolades from both the Venice and Berlin Film Festivals and was appointed a UNESCO ambassador for her advocacy of women’s rights. As a UNESCO ambassador and supporter of the #Metoo and Time’s Up Movements, she campaigned for freedom, independence, and female self-determination and spoke out about her own experiences, including being raped at the beginning of her career. When she thought about how the cinema shaped her life, she said she was grateful. "They gave me everything," Cardinale said. "It is wonderful to live so many lives."
