Claudia Cardinale, the Tunisian-born Italian star of The Leopard, 8 1/2, and Pink Panther, has died at the age of 87.
She had a six-decade long career, rising to fame during the golden age of Italian cinema, and was directed by greats such as Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti.
The actress died at Nemours in France in the company of her children, according to her agent Laurent Savry. She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste, Savry told AFP news agency.
Born in Tunisia to Sicilian parents in April 1938, Cardinale won a beauty contest at 16 that saw her declared the most beautiful Italian woman in Tunis. The prize was a trip to the Venice film festival, where she was approached by directors and producers to become involved in filmmaking.
Her early career was marked by challenges, including her experience of sexual assault and becoming a mother at a young age. She hid her son Patrick's true identity for years to maintain her career.
Throughout her life and career, Cardinale navigated various hurdles, including language barriers that led to her voice being dubbed in Italian films. However, she shot to fame in 1963 after her acclaimed performances in Fellini's Oscar-winning 8 1/2 and The Leopard.
Cardinale also gained fame in Hollywood during the 1960s, starring alongside well-known actors and navigating personal challenges in a complicated industry.
In 2000, she was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for women's rights and inspiring future generations.
Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli called her one of the greatest Italian actresses of all time, embodying Italian grace and resilience.
