Claudia Cardinale’s extraordinary career has spanned over six decades, cementing her legacy as one of the most mesmerizing actresses of international cinema. With her distinctive beauty, undeniable talent, and strong will, she became an unforgettable figure, even though acting wasn’t part of her original life plan. The path she took toward stardom was complex and riddled with personal struggles, yet she emerged as one of the most influential figures in film. Now 86 years old, Cardinale reflects on how cinema gave her life purpose, saying, “Cinema saved my life.”
Born to Italian parents in Tunisia, Cardinale’s early life was far from the glamour of Hollywood or Cinecittà. She aspired to become a teacher, leading an ordinary life far removed from the lights of a film set. Fate, however, had other plans. When she was only 18, her life took a dramatic turn. While assisting her mother in organizing an Italian film festival in Tunisia, she was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight. A chance encounter on stage saw her crowned as the “Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia.” This unexpected accolade would open the door to a series of offers from film producers. Despite being surrounded by opportunity, Cardinale initially resisted the allure of the entertainment industry. She later remarked, “If you give in too quickly, the interest fades. The chase keeps people intrigued.”
Her reluctance, however, was not just a matter of personal choice. Cardinale was carrying a secret—a pregnancy that would complicate her entry into the glamorous world of cinema. Amid her hesitation, Italian producer Franco Cristaldi became a pivotal figure in her career and personal life. Known for his work on several successful films, Cristaldi became both her professional mentor and husband. Their relationship, however, was not just a marriage but also a business arrangement. Under an 18-year contract, Cristaldi meticulously crafted Cardinale’s public persona, controlling her roles, image, and even her private life. Her pregnancy was kept a secret, and her son, Patrick, was publicly presented as her younger brother to preserve her budding career.
Though Cardinale accepted small parts in Italian films at the start of her career, her breakthrough came with the romantic comedy Three Strangers in Rome in 1958. Filming during her pregnancy was a harrowing experience. Feeling trapped under Cristaldi’s control, Cardinale struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide. At one point, she begged to be released from her contract, but instead, Cristaldi sent her to London under the guise of studying English for an upcoming role. During this period of personal turmoil, Cardinale remained determined to protect her son and build a career, even in the face of immense emotional challenges.
Claudia cardinale pic.twitter.com/Bpme7VtSxO
— Goldenagehollywood (@oldmovieactress) August 11, 2024
Cardinale’s personal story took an even darker turn when she later revealed that her son Patrick was the result of a violent assault. In an interview in 2017, she spoke about the trauma of being raped by an older man she didn’t know. Despite the immense pressure from her attacker to terminate the pregnancy, Cardinale chose to carry her child to term, saying, “The most beautiful thing was that from this violence, my wonderful Patrick was born.” While she faced judgment as a young, unmarried mother, she never regretted her decision. Her resilience in the face of such adversity speaks to the strength that underpinned her rise to fame.
Though her relationship with Cristaldi ended in 1975, Cardinale’s career remained on a steady ascent. Her first notable international role came alongside Omar Sharif in the French-Tunisian film Goha. This early success paved the way for leading roles in Italian masterpieces like Rocco and His Brothers (1960), 8½ (1963), and The Leopard (1963). These films showcased her ability to portray complex characters with depth and nuance. Director Martin Scorsese has repeatedly praised her work, calling 8½ and The Leopard two of his favorite films. In both, Cardinale embodied a sense of mystery and elegance, captivating audiences as a symbol of unattainable desire.
Cardinale’s beauty, poise, and versatility also caught the attention of Hollywood, where she starred in major productions such as The Pink Panther and Circus World. Sharing the screen with industry legends like David Niven, John Wayne, and Rita Hayworth, she quickly established herself as an international star. In Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), her performance as a prostitute earned widespread acclaim, cementing her reputation as an actress capable of bringing emotional depth to unconventional roles.
Despite the comparisons drawn between her and Brigitte Bardot, Cardinale carved out her own niche in the industry. She took pride in her decision never to appear nude on screen, believing that leaving some things to the imagination was far more intriguing. “I always thought it was more erotic to hint rather than reveal everything,” she explained. Her friendship with Bardot reflected a mutual respect despite media attempts to frame them as rivals.
CLAUDIA CARDINALE.. pic.twitter.com/iDmg6FSunX
— Peter Oxley (@oxley264) January 8, 2020
As her fame grew, Cardinale became increasingly disillusioned with Hollywood’s patriarchal system. In interviews, she expressed frustration with the rigid expectations placed on actresses. Despite the higher salaries offered by Hollywood, she preferred working in Europe, where she felt she had more artistic freedom. “If I have to give up the money, I give it up. I don’t want to become a cliché,” she said, emphasizing her desire to maintain creative integrity rather than conform to industry stereotypes.
Though her career slowed in later years, Cardinale welcomed the change. She embraced the natural passage of time, refusing to alter her appearance through surgery. “You cannot stop time,” she stated. Her decision to age gracefully and stay true to herself reflects the same independence that defined her earlier years. In 1975, she married Italian director Pasquale Squitieri, with whom she shared a lasting partnership until his death in 2017. The couple had one daughter, Claudia, and lived primarily in France, away from the public eye.
In 2022, rumors surfaced about Cardinale’s health, with some reports suggesting she had been involuntarily hospitalized. However, the actress quickly dispelled these claims, reassuring fans that she was in good health and enjoying life with her family. As an advocate for women’s rights, Cardinale has found fulfillment in her work with UNESCO, where she serves as a goodwill ambassador. Through her activism, she continues to inspire women worldwide, sharing her story of resilience and triumph.
Cardinale’s life has been a tapestry woven with moments of joy, heartbreak, success, and struggle. From overcoming personal trauma to building a remarkable film career, she remains a symbol of strength and grace. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself. Even as she steps back from the spotlight, Cardinale’s legacy endures—not just in the films she made but in the lives she touched through her work and activism. For many, she will always be remembered not just as a glamorous star but as a survivor and a trailblazer.