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At 86 years old, Cardinale has outlasted numerous Hollywood icons she once acted alongside, and she remains vibrant, stating, “Cinema saved my life.”
With a remarkable career that has lasted more than sixty years, Claudia Cardinale enchanted viewers with her stunning charisma, establishing herself as one of the most celebrated actresses from the golden era of film. Although she never set out to become a star, destiny guided her toward fame—a journey frequently filled with personal challenges.
A Star Found by Serendipity.
Cardinale, born in Tunisia to Italian parents, was on the path to becoming a teacher when fate unexpectedly placed her in the limelight. At the age of 18, she attended an Italian film festival and, without any intention of competing, was named the Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia. The reward? A trip to the Venice Film Festival, where she attracted the attention of producers eager to kickstart her acting career.
Although she received many offers, she initially turned them down, stating, “When a man pursues you, if you say yes right away, he loses interest. If you say no, he desires you for longer.” However, her reluctance stemmed from another reason—she was secretly pregnant.
A Concealed Pregnancy and a Dominating Relationship.
One producer, Franco Cristaldi, a significant player in Italian cinema, managed to persuade her. He signed her to an 18-year contract and eventually became her husband. Under his influence, Cardinale was shaped to be Italy’s equivalent of Brigitte Bardot, with her image, roles, weight, and even personal life controlled by him.
Cristaldi insisted that her pregnancy remain a secret, publicly claiming that her son, Patrick, was her younger brother. She was compelled to work throughout her pregnancy and was sent to London to evade media attention. Cardinale later confessed to experiencing depression and even suicidal thoughts during this time.
Years later, she shared the painful truth: Patrick was conceived after she was raped by an older man. Despite the pressure to terminate the pregnancy, she stood firm, stating, “The most beautiful thing is that my wonderful Patrick was born from that violence.”
Rising Above Adversity
Through her challenges, Cardinale’s remarkable talent emerged. She gained fame in Italian cinema before her pivotal role in Three Strangers in Rome (1958). Following that, she appeared in celebrated films such as Rocco and His Brothers (1960), 8½ (1963), and The Leopard (1963), collaborating with icons like Marcello Mastroianni and Burt Lancaster.
Her success also reached Hollywood, where she featured in The Pink Panther (1963) alongside David Niven and Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) with Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson. Unlike Bardot, she chose not to appear nude on screen, believing, “It’s more erotic to leave some things to the imagination.”
However, she found the Hollywood system frustrating. Although she was celebrated as “the most admired international film star since Sophia Loren,” she resisted the industry’s limitations, asserting, “If I have to give up money, I will. I don’t want to become a cliché.”
A Life Beyond Fame
In 1975, Cardinale left Cristaldi and married director Pasquale Squitieri, with whom she welcomed a daughter. While she continued her acting career, she moved away from the sexualized roles that had characterized her early work.
Reflecting on aging, she once remarked, “I never did a facelift. My mother told me, ‘Wait until you’re older, you will always be smiling.’ And it’s true.”
Today, Cardinale remains engaged, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for Women’s Rights with UNESCO. In response to health rumors in 2022, she reassured her fans, “I am in perfect health and enjoying life with my family.”
A Legacy of Resilience and Elegance
Claudia Cardinale’s story is one of overcoming challenges—navigating industry pressures, personal struggles, and heartbreak while building a legendary career. Now in her 80s, she continues to inspire others with her strength and advocacy.
Which of her films do you cherish the most?