Claudia Cardinale, the celebrated Franco-Italian actress and a defining figure of European cinema, died September 24, 2024, at the age of 87. Her passing marks the end of an era for international film,leaving a void for admirers of classic artistry and a legacy of powerful performances spanning six decades.
Cardinale rose to prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s, becoming a symbol of cinematic beauty and talent. Her death resonates deeply within the film community and among audiences captivated by her work in landmark productions. The actress’s contributions helped shape the landscape of post-war European cinema, influencing generations of performers and filmmakers.
Cardinale’s breakthrough came at age 22 when luchino Visconti cast her in Rocco and His Brothers (1960). She subsequently collaborated with Visconti on the critically acclaimed The Leopard (1963), alongside Burt Lancaster and Alain Delon. together, she appeared in Federico Fellini’s masterpiece, 8½ (1963).
“visconti, a retailer, meticulous as in the theater, spoke to me in French and wanted me to be Morena with long hair,” Cardinale recalled. “Fellini,chaotic and without a script,spoke to me in italian and loved me blonde with short hair. They are the two most critically important films of my life,” she told The World in 2017.
Born in Tunisia in 1938 to Italian parents, Claudia Cardinale began her acting career in Italian films before achieving international recognition. Her extensive filmography includes roles in Once Upon a Time in the west (1968), The Day of the Owl (1968), and numerous other celebrated works. She received a Golden Globe award for her performance in The Leopard.