Award-winning Hollywood star Claudia Cardinale, known for her roles in iconic films spanning over six decades, has passed away. Cardinale gained fame for her performances in renowned movies such as Federico Fellini’s 8½ and Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard. She also made a mark in Hollywood with Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West in 1968, propelling her to larger projects.
Although Cardinale received accolades for her work in Italian and French cinema, including a lifetime achievement award at the Berlin Film Festival in 2002 and the Best Actress award at the Antalya International Film Festival in 2010, she sadly passed away at the age of 87 in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children.
Starting her career at 17 after winning a beauty contest in Tunisia, Cardinale’s talent was recognized at the Venice Film Festival, leading her to the Italian movie industry. Initially aiming to become a school teacher, she quickly rose to fame and was often compared to Brigitte Bardot for her on-screen presence.
Throughout her illustrious 65-year career, Cardinale portrayed diverse characters, starring alongside notable actors like Burt Lancaster, Rock Hudson, and David Niven. Despite her success, Cardinale eventually returned to European cinema after feeling disillusioned with Hollywood’s demands for exclusivity.
In 2000, Cardinale was appointed a goodwill ambassador for UNESCO, advocating for women’s rights. She leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a profound impact on the film industry.
