Claudia Cardinale, the mesmerizing Italian actress whose career spanned decades and captivated audiences worldwide, passed away at the age of 87. Her agent, Laurent Savry, confirmed her death in Nemours, near Paris, sharing that she leaves behind a legacy of a 'free and inspired woman, both as a woman and as an artiste.'
Cardinale's impact on cinema is undeniable. She graced the screen in iconic films that cemented her status as a leading lady of Italian cinema's golden age. From her unforgettable supporting roles in Luchino Visconti's masterpieces, *Rocco and His Brothers* and *The Leopard*, to her ethereal presence as the muse in Federico Fellini's *8½*, Cardinale’s talent transcended mere beauty. In Visconti's films, her performances were striking, even amidst powerful ensembles; her portrayal of the oldest brother's wife in *Rocco and His Brothers* and her captivating role as Alain Delon's bride in *The Leopard* remain memorable highlights. In *8½*, she embodied an elusive and seductive figure, embodying, as Roger Ebert eloquently described, "the tantalizing possibility that all will be forgiven."
Her allure extended beyond Italian cinema. She starred alongside Jean-Paul Belmondo in the French adventure *Cartouche*, receiving enthusiastic praise for her performance. Her role as Princess Dahla in Blake Edwards' classic *The Pink Panther* further cemented her international fame, a role she reprised years later in *Son of the Pink Panther*. Cardinale's filmography also includes memorable appearances in Sergio Leone's *Once Upon a Time in the West*, Richard Brooks' *The Professionals*, and Werner Herzog's *Fitzcarraldo*, showcasing her versatility across genres.
Born Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale in Tunis, Tunisia, to parents of Sicilian heritage, she spoke French, Tunisian Arabic, and Sicilian before learning Italian. Her journey to becoming a star began with a beauty contest, which led to her being discovered by Italian film producers. Her career, however, was marked by personal tragedy; in a 2017 interview, she revealed that she was raped as a teenager and gave birth to her son, Patrick, whom she raised as her brother to protect her career.
Cardinale's career continued for over five decades, a testament to her enduring appeal and talent. She addressed the ageism faced by actresses, highlighting her continued work even into her seventies, driven by a desire to support emerging filmmakers. Her final years still saw her involved in diverse projects, from the 2010 Tunisian film *The String* to Emma Thompson’s *Effie Gray*. Throughout her illustrious career, she received numerous prestigious awards, including an honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and a career Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
Claudia Cardinale leaves behind a rich and enduring legacy in the world of cinema, remembered not only for her captivating beauty but for her powerful performances and enduring spirit. She is survived by two children.
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Originally published at: https://variety.com/2025/film/news/claudia-cardinale-dead-pink-panther-leopard-1236527489/
