The Legendary Actress Who Captivated Audiences Across Europe and Hollywood Passes Away at 87

A Legend Passes from the Silver Screen

September 24, 2025: Claudia Cardinale, one of the most luminous figures of European cinema’s golden age, has died at the age of 87. She passed away at her home in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children, her agent confirmed. Her death marks the end of an era for fans of classic Italian films and admirers of her magnetic screen presence.

From Tunisia to International Fame

Born Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale on April 15, 1938, in La Goulette, Tunisia, to parents of Sicilian descent, Cardinale’s entry into cinema came almost by chance. At 17, she won a beauty contest in Tunisia, earning a trip to the Venice Film Festival that soon led to film offers. Though she initially had dreams of becoming a schoolteacher, her striking looks and talent propelled her into the world of acting.

Iconic Roles That Defined an Era

Cardinale’s breakthrough came in the early 1960s. She appeared in Federico Fellini’s 8½ and in Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard, both released in 1963, roles that cemented her reputation as a serious actress with both sensuality and depth. She went on to star in Once Upon a Time in the West, The Pink Panther, and many other films across Europe. Her husky voice and commanding screen presence made her a favorite of auteurs, though in her early years she was often dubbed due to her accent.

Trials, Bold Choices, and Resilience

Her personal life was not without adversity. Cardinale survived early trauma and a hidden pregnancy, and later faced career backlash when her marriage to producer Franco Cristaldi ended. Attempts were made to sideline her in show business, but she fought back, forging a career on her own terms. In later years she remained active in film, television, and theater, earning respect not just for her beauty but for her integrity and creative spirit.

Tributes and Legacy

Tributes poured in following her death. The Italian President called her an unforgettable heroine of Italian and international cinema. French President Emmanuel Macron said France will always carry her in the hearts of the public and cinema’s eternity. Italy’s Culture Minister decried the loss of one of the country’s greatest actresses and praised her grace, talent, and enduring contributions. Fellow stars, filmmakers, and fans joined in celebrating a life lived boldly and artistically.

Claudia Cardinale’s career spanned more than six decades. She once reflected, “I’ve lived more than 150 lives, totally different women.” With her passing, those lives—the stories, struggles, and triumphs—become part of cinema’s immortal tapestry. Her legacy will endure in the films she graced, and in the hearts of those who saw in her more than a star—she was an icon of strength, sensuality, and resilience.