Claudia Cardinale,Star of ‘the leopard’ and ‘8 ½,’ Dies at 87
Claudia Cardinale,the captivating Italian actress who achieved international stardom in landmark films like the Leopard and 8 ½,has died. She was 87. Her death was confirmed by the mayor of her birthplace, Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said, on Wednesday, marking the end of a prolific career spanning seven decades.
Cardinale rose to prominence as a symbol of European cinema’s golden age, captivating audiences with her striking beauty and versatile talent. She collaborated with some of the most celebrated directors of her time, including Luchino Visconti, Federico Fellini, and Werner Herzog, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of world cinema. Her passing represents a loss not only for the film community but for all who admired her artistry and independent spirit.
Born in Tunisia in 1938 to Italian parents, Cardinale began her acting career in Italian films, quickly gaining recognition for her roles in Riflessi nella notte (1961) and Valeria Gangalupi (1964). Her breakthrough came with Visconti’s epic historical drama the Leopard (1963),where she played the alluring Angelica Sedara. She followed this success with a memorable performance in Fellini’s surreal masterpiece 8 ½ (1963), solidifying her status as a leading lady.
Throughout the 1970s and beyond, Cardinale continued to work steadily, earning a di Donatello prize for Luigi Zampa’s comedy A Girl in Australia (1971) and Italian Golden Globes for her roles in Clamp (1984) and Act of Pain (1990). She frequently collaborated with director Francesco Rosi, appearing in features including I guappi (1974), Corleone (1977), Clamp, and Act of Pain.
Her filmography boasts a diverse range of roles, including appearances in Marco Ferreri’s The Hearing (1972), Visconti’s English-language drama Conversation Piece (1974) alongside burt lancaster, Werner Herzog’s Fitzcarraldo (1982) with Klaus Kinski, and Marco Bellocchio’s Henry IV (1984) with Marcello Mastroianni.
Beyond film, Cardinale enjoyed a vibrant career on stage, performing in plays by Luigi Pirandello, Tennessee Williams, and Neil Simon, often directed by francesco Squitieri. She even briefly pursued a career as a disco singer in the 1970s, releasing tracks like “Love Affair” and “Sun … I Love You.”
Cardinale’s influence extended beyond her performances. She appeared on the inside foldout of Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde album in 1966 and famously wore a miniskirt to a meeting with the pope in 1967, sparking public conversation. In 2008,she was awarded a Legion of Honor in France,where she resided in her later years. In 2017, a photograph of her dancing on a Rome rooftop in 1959 was chosen as the official poster for the 70th Cannes Film Festival.
Reflecting on her career, Cardinale once advised young actresses: “Never take on a role that will hurt you or make you sell out,” and “refuse to accept the awful caprices of certain directors or any form of professional blackmail. Yes, you need to fight!” Her legacy as a fearless and independent artist will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of performers.