Claudia Cardinale, the radiant and resilient star who became a global symbol of post-war Italian cinema, has died at the age of 87, according to reports from French media including AFP. Across sixty years in cinema, Cardinale lit up screens in classics by Fellini and Leone, leaving behind a legacy of sophistication and bold autonomy.
Her journey from a Tunisian childhood to international stardom was as dramatic as the films she starred in, marked by personal challenges that she overcame with fierce determination. In addition to having a stunning face, Cardinale was an actress who made a name for herself in a competitive field.
Who Was Claudia Cardinale?
Born in Tunisia in 1938 to a family of Sicilian origin, Cardinale’s entry into the world of cinema was almost accidental. Her path changed forever in 1957 when she won a beauty contest in Tunis, with the prize being a trip to the Venice Film Festival. This chance opportunity opened the door to a new life.
What was her early challenge as an actress? Interestingly, when she began her career in Italian films, her voice had to be dubbed. This was because she grew up in a Sicilian-speaking household and was educated in French, meaning her Italian accent was not considered standard for the screen at the time.
What was the personal secret she carried? Her early career was complicated by a secret pregnancy. She revealed that her son, Patrick, born in 1958, was the result of an abusive relationship. To protect her career, she presented him as her younger brother for several years, with her parents raising him.
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How Did She Rise to International Fame?
After a series of smaller roles, the year 1963 catapulted Claudia Cardinale to international stardom. She acted with Burt Lancaster in Luchino Visconti’s epic historical drama “The Leopard,” and she also starred in Federico Fellini’s surreal masterpiece “8 ½” in two landmark films that year.
What was it like working on two major films? The schedule was so demanding that she had to shoot both films simultaneously. She later recalled the unique challenge of having to maintain different hair colors for the two distinct roles.
How did she describe the famous directors? Cardinale contrasted the working styles of Fellini and Visconti. Of Fellini, she said, “He couldn’t shoot without noise.” Of Visconti, she noted it was “the opposite, like doing theatre. We couldn’t say a word. Very serious.”
What Was Her Hollywood Break?
Her success in European art cinema opened the doors to Hollywood. She became known to wider audiences through her role in Blake Edwards’ classic comedy caper “The Pink Panther” and later as a leading lady in Sergio Leone’s iconic spaghetti western “Once Upon a Time in the West” in 1968. She was a distinctive character in these well-loved movies because of her powerful presence and husky voice.
Why Was She Ostracized in the 1970s?
Cardinale’s career faced a significant setback in the 1970s due to a personal decision. She left her husband, influential film producer Franco Cristaldi, to begin a lifelong relationship with filmmaker Pasquale Squitieri, with whom she had a daughter, also named Claudia.
What was the consequence? An angry Cristaldi used his power in the Italian film industry to ostracize her. This resulted in directors blacklisting her; for instance, Luchino Visconti turned her down for his final film, “The Innocent.”
How did she describe this period? Cardinale recalled it as a “very delicate moment,” revealing that she discovered she had no money in her bank account. It was director Franco Zeffirelli who came to her rescue, casting her in the acclaimed 1977 television mini-series “Jesus of Nazareth,” which helped revive her career.
How Was She Known Off-Screen?
Cardinale earned a reputation as a fiercely independent and free-spirited woman. She famously defied Vatican protocol by wearing a miniskirt to a meeting with Pope Paul VI. A 2022 book about her life was aptly titled “Claudia Cardinale. The Indomitable.” Based in France for much of her life and friends with French presidents, she continued working well into her later years, also finding success on the theatre stage.
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What Was Her Legacy?
Cardinale, who received a lifetime achievement award at the 2002 Berlin Film Festival, looked back on her remarkable career with much appreciation. She said, “I’ve lived more than 150 lives, prostitute, saint, romantic, every kind of woman, and that is marvellous to have this opportunity to change yourself.” She added, “I’ve worked with the most important directors. They gave me everything.” Claudia Cardinale’s life was a testament to resilience, talent, and an indomitable spirit that transcended the silver screen.
