Now 86, Cardinale has outlived many of the Hollywood legends she once shared the screen with, and she continues to embrace life, declaring, “Cinema saved my life.”
With a career spanning over six decades, Claudia Cardinale captivated audiences with her breathtaking presence, becoming one of the most revered actresses of the golden age of cinema. Though she never initially aspired to be a star, fate led her down a path to stardom—one often marked by personal hardships.
A Star Discovered by Chance
Born in Tunisia to Italian parents, Cardinale was studying to be a teacher when she was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight. At just 18, she attended an Italian film festival. Without intending to compete, was crowned Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia. The prize? A trip to the Venice Film Festival, where she caught the eye of producers eager to launch her film career.
Despite receiving numerous offers, she initially declined, explaining, “When a man pursues you, if you say yes immediately, he loses interest. If you say no, he desires you for longer.” But there was another reason for her hesitation—she was secretly pregnant.
A Hidden Pregnancy and a Controlling Partnership
One producer, however, managed to convince her: Franco Cristaldi, a powerful figure in Italian cinema. He signed her to an 18-year contract and later became her husband. Under his control, Cardinale was groomed to be Italy’s answer to Brigitte Bardot—her image, roles, weight, and even personal life were dictated by him.
Cristaldi insisted her pregnancy be kept a secret, publicly claiming that her son, Patrick, was actually her younger brother. Forced to work through her pregnancy and sent to London to avoid media scrutiny, Cardinale later admitted she suffered from depression and even had suicidal thoughts.
Years later, she revealed the heartbreaking truth: Patrick was conceived after she was raped by an older man. Despite pressure to terminate the pregnancy, she refused, saying, “The most beautiful thing is that my wonderful Patrick was born from that violence.”
Rising Above Tragedy
Despite these struggles, Cardinale’s talent shone through. She gained recognition in Italian cinema before her breakthrough role in Three Strangers in Rome (1958). From there, she starred in critically acclaimed films like Rocco and His Brothers (1960), 8½ (1963), and The Leopard (1963), working alongside legends like Marcello Mastroianni and Burt Lancaster.
Her success extended to Hollywood, where she starred in The Pink Panther (1963) with David Niven and Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) with Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson. Unlike Bardot, she never appeared nude on screen, believing, “It’s more erotic to leave some things to the imagination.”
However, the Hollywood system frustrated her. Though she was hailed as “the most admired international film star since Sophia Loren,” she rejected the industry’s constraints, stating, “If I have to give up money, I will. I don’t want to become a cliché.”
A Life Beyond the Spotlight
In 1975, Cardinale left Cristaldi and married director Pasquale Squitieri, with whom she had a daughter. She continued acting but stepped away from the sexualized roles that had defined her early career.
Reflecting on aging, she once said, “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 active, working with UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador for Women’s Rights. Addressing rumors of ill health in 2022, she reassured fans, “I am in perfect health and enjoying life with my family.”
A Legacy of Strength and Grace
Claudia Cardinale’s journey has been one of triumph over adversity—facing industry pressures, personal trauma, and heartbreak while forging a legendary career. Now in her 80s, she continues to inspire with her resilience and advocacy.
Which of her films is your favorite?
