For more than six decades, Claudia Cardinale has been a well-known face in cinema, captivating audiences with her presence.
She never planned on becoming a star, but her journey to fame was not always easy.
Now 86 years old, she has outlived many of the Hollywood legends she once worked with. Looking back, she says, “Cinema saved my life.”
A Chance Discovery
Born in Tunisia, Cardinale was originally studying to be a teacher. At 18, she attended an Italian film festival when she was unexpectedly pushed on stage and crowned Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia.
The prize was a trip to the Venice Film Festival, where she received multiple offers from producers.
At first, she turned them all down.
A Life-Changing Contract
One producer, Franco Cristaldi, convinced her to sign an 18-year contract. He not only managed her career but also controlled her image, from her hairstyle to her weight.
They later married, and under his management, she became known as Italy’s sweetheart.
Cardinale’s big break came in 1958 with a lead role in Three Strangers in Rome.
A Hidden Truth
During this time, she was secretly pregnant. Cristaldi told her to keep it a secret, even publicly saying her son was her younger brother.
In a later interview, Cardinale shared that her pregnancy was the result of a traumatic experience. Despite the difficulties, she chose to keep the baby.
By 1975, she left Cristaldi and continued building her career.
Rising to International Fame
Cardinale starred in acclaimed films like 8½ and The Leopard, later working in Hollywood alongside actors like John Wayne and Henry Fonda.
Although called the Italian Brigitte Bardot, she never appeared nude in films. “I think it’s more interesting to leave things to the imagination,” she once said.
A Lasting Legacy
She eventually stepped away from Hollywood, preferring to work in Europe.
Today, Cardinale is in good health, living in France, and remains active in supporting women’s rights through UNESCO.
