Claudia Cardinale, a revered icon of Italian and international cinema, has had a remarkable career spanning over 60 years, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry with her extraordinary talent, stunning beauty, and unparalleled versatility. Her ability to portray a wide range of complex and memorable characters has made her one of the most beloved and respected actresses of her time. What is truly remarkable is that, at 85 years old, Cardinale remains active in the movie industry, still as passionate and dedicated as ever to her craft.

Cardinale was born in Tunisia to a multilingual family, a background that shaped her early life. Her journey to stardom began unexpectedly at the age of 18 when she was crowned “Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia” during an Italian film festival. She wasn’t even supposed to be in the spotlight that day but was pushed onto the stage, and that moment changed her life forever. The prize for winning the title was a trip to the Venice Film Festival, where her captivating beauty and undeniable presence caught the attention of numerous film producers. Though she received several offers, Cardinale initially turned them down, explaining in an interview, “It’s like a man. When he’s going after you, if you say yes immediately, after a little time he goes away. If you say no, he desires you for a long time.”

At that time, Cardinale was dealing with a deeply personal matter that influenced her decision to reject these offers—she was pregnant. However, one producer she could not refuse was Franco Cristaldi, a prominent figure in the Italian film industry. Cristaldi was not only a producer but eventually became her husband. Under his influence, Cardinale signed an 18-year contract that would shape the course of her career. Unfortunately, their relationship was not just professional. Cristaldi took control of almost every aspect of her life, from her movie roles to her appearance, even dictating her hairstyle and weight. He also demanded that her pregnancy be kept a secret, and it was publicly announced that her son was her younger brother.

During this period, Cardinale found herself in a difficult and oppressive situation. Cristaldi, ever the controlling figure, required her to continue working even as she struggled with her pregnancy. She worked through the filming of Three Strangers in Rome (1958), a breakthrough role, seven months into her pregnancy. Cardinale described how the situation deeply affected her, leading to depression and even suicidal thoughts. Despite pleading with Cristaldi to end their contract, he shipped her off to London under the false pretense that she was learning English for a role. Her son, Patrick, was born in secret, and it wasn’t until he was 19 that the truth of his identity as her child was publicly revealed.

In 2017, Cardinale opened up about her pregnancy and the traumatic experience that led to it. She revealed to Italian journalist Enzo Biagi that she had been raped by an unknown, older man who later returned to pressure her into having an abortion. However, Cardinale made the brave decision to keep her baby, stating, “Although it was a very complicated situation for a single mother, I decided not to have an abortion.” She added, “When that man learned of my pregnancy, he came back, demanding that I have an abortion. Not even for a moment did I think of getting rid of my creature.”

Her relationship with Cristaldi, though it provided her with many professional opportunities, was highly dysfunctional. “With him, I was practically an employee, a subordinate who was paid monthly for the four films I made a year: I didn’t even call him by name, but by surname. I felt hostage, my father and mother were furious… Because I wasn’t in love, he was the one with me,” she shared in later interviews. Cardinale eventually left Cristaldi in 1975, but her career continued to flourish despite the difficulties she faced in her personal life.

Cardinale’s early films, such as Goha (1958) alongside Omar Sharif, quickly established her as one of Italy’s most promising talents. She gained further acclaim in Rocco and His Brothers (1960) and went on to star in some of the most significant films of the 1960s, including the Oscar-winning 8½ (1963) directed by Federico Fellini and The Leopard (1963) directed by Luchino Visconti. Her role as Angelica in The Leopard remains one of her most iconic, portraying a woman who symbolizes beauty and the unattainable in a changing Sicilian society. Both 8½ and The Leopard are films praised by legendary director Martin Scorsese as being among his top 12 favorites.

Hollywood soon took notice of Cardinale’s extraordinary talent. She starred in The Pink Panther (1963) alongside David Niven and later appeared in Circus World (1964) with John Wayne and Rita Hayworth. One of her most memorable performances was in Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), where she played a former prostitute caught up in a violent frontier conflict. Acting alongside Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, and Jason Robards, her portrayal of a strong, independent woman resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Although she became a star in Hollywood, Cardinale was determined not to conform to the industry’s often patriarchal and exploitative expectations. She famously refused to appear nude in films, saying, “I always thought it was more erotic to leave some room to imagination, hinting at things rather than showing everything.” This decision set her apart from contemporaries like Brigitte Bardot, with whom she shared the screen in The Legend of Frenchie King (1971). Despite being dubbed “the Italian Brigitte Bardot,” Cardinale maintained her own distinct style and refused to be pigeonholed by the Hollywood system.

As her career progressed, Cardinale took on roles in Europe and Hollywood, but she always maintained her independence. She expressed dissatisfaction with the patriarchal nature of Hollywood, once telling Life magazine that although European films paid less, she preferred working there because she was given more freedom. “If I have to give up the money, I give it up. I do not want to become a cliché,” she said.

Though her career slowed down in later years, Cardinale remained a revered figure in the film world. She was also committed to social causes, becoming a UNESCO goodwill ambassador for the Defence of Women’s Rights. In 2022, she addressed rumors about her health and confirmed that she was in full health, living in France near her family. Today, she continues to inspire generations with her extraordinary life story, her commitment to her art, and her dedication to her principles.

Claudia Cardinale’s journey has been filled with both triumphs and trials, but through it all, she has remained an icon of strength, resilience, and talent. Her legacy as one of cinema’s greatest actresses is secure, and she continues to be a source of admiration and respect for fans and peers alike.