Claudia Cardinale won the title of “The Most Beautiful Italian in Tunisia” She began her acting career in the late 1950s and took part in more than 150 films

Renowned Italian actress Claudia Cardinale passed away at the age of 87 on Wednesday, at her residence in Nemours on the outskirts of Paris, surrounded by her children. Her manager, Laurent Savry, told AFP that the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Cardinale was born on April 15, 1938, in the La Goulette district of Tunis to a Sicilian family. In 1957, she won the title of “Most Beautiful Italian in Tunisia”, which paved the way for her entry into Italian cinema. She began her acting career in the late 1950s and went on to star in over 150 films across six decades, collaborating with legendary directors such as Federico Fellini, Sergio Leone, and Luchino Visconti.

Rise to Global Fame

Her cinematic breakthrough came in 1958 with the film Goha alongside Egyptian star Omar Sharif. She achieved international fame in the early 1960s with roles in films such as Il Gattopardo with Burt Lancaster. In 1963, Cardinale appeared in The Pink Panther with Peter Sellers, which boosted her Hollywood profile. She also shined in Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West, regarded as one of the greatest Westerns ever made.

Personal Challenges and Continued Career

Cardinale faced personal struggles, particularly after her separation from producer Franco Cristaldi, who attempted to restrict her career opportunities. Despite this, she persevered, collaborating with prominent directors like Franco Zeffirelli, which helped her reclaim her place in the spotlight.

Achievements and Honors

Cardinale is considered one of Italy’s most iconic actresses of the 1960s, alongside Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida. Throughout her career, she earned numerous prestigious awards, including:

• 5 David di Donatello Awards

• 5 Silver Ribbon Awards

• 3 Italian Golden Globe Awards

• The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival in 1993

In addition, she served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, championing women’s rights, and in 2011, The Los Angeles Times listed her among the “50 Most Beautiful Women in Film History.”

Reactions to Her Passing

Cardinale’s death sparked an outpouring of grief in the cultural and artistic world. Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli described her passing as the loss of “one of the greatest Italian actresses of all time,” praising her unique beauty and exceptional talent. French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute on X, calling her “an Italian and global star who will remain in the hearts of the French forever.” Fans worldwide expressed their sorrow across social media platforms, highlighting her lasting impact on cinema and culture.

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