Liputan6.com, Jakarta Legendary actress Claudia Cardinale, renowned for her charm and extraordinary acting talent, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. She took her last breath in Nemours, France, outside Paris, at the age of 87.
She died aged 87 at Nemours near Paris, in the presence of her children, her agent told AFP.
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"She leaves us the legacy of a free and inspired woman both as a woman and as an artiste," Laurent Savry said in a message.
Claudia Cardinale starred in numerous classic films that shaped the landscape of world cinema, including Federico Fellini's masterpiece "8½" and Blake Edwards' popular comedy "The Pink Panther."
Career Beginnings and Rising Stardom
Claudia Cardinale's career began unexpectedly after she won the 'Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia' competition in 1957.
The prize was a trip to Italy, which opened the door to the world of cinema.
"All the directors and producers wanted me to make films, and I said, 'No, I don't want to!' she said.
This victory brought her to the Venice Film Festival, where her natural beauty and charisma caught the attention of the European press and film producers.
After training at the Centro Sperimentale film school in Rome, Claudia Cardinale made her screen debut in 1958 in the film 'Goha' opposite Omar Sharif.
Shortly thereafter, she appeared in Mario Monicelli's classic comedy, 'I soliti ignoti', further establishing her presence in the industry.
Claudia Cardinale's Career Peak and Iconic Films
In the 1960s, Claudia Cardinale quickly became one of Italy's most celebrated actresses, starring in a series of films now considered classics.
Her roles in 'Rocco and His Brothers' (1960), 'Girl with a Suitcase' (1961), and 'Cartouche' (1962) showcased her wide acting range.
She also captivated audiences in iconic films such as Luchino Visconti's 'The Leopard' (1963) and Federico Fellini's '8½' (1963), in which she starred opposite Marcello Mastroianni.
Both films not only received critical acclaim but also cemented her status as a cinema icon.
In addition to her European success, Claudia Cardinale also broke into Hollywood, starring in films such as 'The Pink Panther' (1963) with David Niven, 'The Professionals' (1966), and Sergio Leone's epic Western 'Once Upon a Time in the West' (1968).
Personal Life, Advocacy, and Prestigious Awards
In her personal life, Claudia Cardinale married producer Franco Cristaldi in 1966, although their marriage was not recognized by the church in Italy.
She is the mother of two children: a son named Patrick from her marriage to Cristaldi, and a daughter with Italian director Pasquale Squitieri, who later became her partner.
Since March 2000, she has served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Defense of Women's Rights, using her platform to speak out on important issues.
"I've had a of luck. This job has given me a multitude of lives, and the possibility of putting my fame at the service of many causes," she said.
Throughout her illustrious career, Claudia Cardinale received numerous prestigious awards, including the David di Donatello for Best Actress and the Nastro d'Argento Award.
She was also awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival in 1993, the honorary Golden Bear from the Berlin Film Festival in 2002, and the Legion of Honor in 2008, cementing her position as one of the greatest actresses of all time.
She also wrote the autobiography 'Moi Claudia, Toi Claudia' in 1995 and the book 'Mes Etoiles' in 2005.