Claudia Cardinale

Claudia Cardinale

Born:April 15, 1938

Place of Birth:Tunis, Tunisia

Known For:Acting

Biography

Claudia Cardinale, born Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale on April 15, 1938, is a legendary Italian actress known for her captivating performances in European films during the 1960s and 1970s. Hailing from La Goulette, a neighborhood in Tunis, Cardinale's journey to stardom began when she won the title of "Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia" in 1957. This recognition catapulted her into the world of cinema, where she quickly became a sought-after talent.

Her career took off with a minor role alongside the iconic Omar Sharif in "Goha" (1958), marking the beginning of a series of acclaimed performances in films such as "Rocco and His Brothers" (1960), "The Leopard" (1963), and Federico Fellini's masterpiece "8½" (1963). Cardinale's versatility and magnetic on-screen presence solidified her status as one of Italy's most prominent actresses.

Venturing into Hollywood, Cardinale starred in notable films like "The Pink Panther" (1963), "The Professionals" (1966), and Sergio Leone's epic Western "Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968). Her ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity garnered praise from audiences and critics alike.

Despite her success in Hollywood, Cardinale made a conscious decision to return to her roots in Italian and French cinema, where she continued to deliver powerful performances. Her collaborations with director Pasquale Squitieri resulted in memorable roles in films like "I guappi" (1974) and "Corleone" (1978), showcasing her range as an actress.

In 1982, Cardinale starred in Werner Herzog's "Fitzcarraldo," further showcasing her talent alongside Klaus Kinski. Her dedication to her craft and ability to bring characters to life on screen have solidified her legacy as a cinematic icon.

Beyond her acting career, Cardinale has been a vocal advocate for women's rights, serving as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador since 2000. Her impact on the film industry and her contributions to important social causes have earned her admiration and respect worldwide.

In recognition of her timeless beauty and talent, Cardinale was named one of the 50 most beautiful women in film history by the Los Angeles Times Magazine in 2011. Her enduring legacy as an actress, activist, and cultural icon continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.

Images

Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale
Claudia Cardinale

Filmography

Acting

Once Upon a Time in the West

Once Upon a Time in the West

Jill

1968

As the railroad builders advance unstoppably through the Arizona desert on their way to the sea, Jill arrives in the small town of Flagstone with the intention of starting a new life.
The Pink Panther

The Pink Panther

The Princess Dala

1963

The trademark of The Phantom, a renowned jewel thief, is a glove left at the scene of the crime. Inspector Clouseau, an expert on The Phantom's exploits, feels sure that he knows where The Phantom will strike next and leaves Paris for the Tyrolean Alps, where the famous Lugashi jewel 'The Pink Panther' is going to be. However, he does not know who The Phantom really is, or for that matter who anyone else really is...
8½

8½

Claudia

1963

Guido Anselmi, a film director, finds himself creatively barren at the peak of his career. Urged by his doctors to rest, Anselmi heads for a luxurious resort, but a sorry group gathers—his producer, staff, actors, wife, mistress, and relatives—each one begging him to get on with the show. In retreat from their dependency, he fantasizes about past women and dreams of his childhood.
The Leopard

The Leopard

Angelica Sedara / Bastiana

1963

As Garibaldi's troops begin the unification of Italy in the 1860s, an aristocratic Sicilian family grudgingly adapts to the sweeping social changes undermining their way of life. Proud but pragmatic Prince Don Fabrizio Salina allows his war hero nephew, Tancredi, to marry Angelica, the beautiful daughter of gauche, bourgeois Don Calogero, in order to maintain the family's accustomed level of comfort and political clout.
The Professionals

The Professionals

Maria

1966

An arrogant Texas millionaire hires four adventurers to rescue his kidnapped wife from a notorious Mexican bandit.
Fitzcarraldo

Fitzcarraldo

Molly

1982

Fitzcarraldo is a dreamer who plans to build an opera house in Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon, so, in order to finance his project, he embarks on an epic adventure to collect rubber, a very profitable product, in a remote and unexplored region of the rainforest.
Escape to Athena

Escape to Athena

Eleana

1979

During the World War II, the prisoners of a German camp in a Greek island are trying to escape. They not only want their freedom, but also seek an ineffable treasure hidden in a monastery at the summit of the island's mountain.
Rocco and His Brothers

Rocco and His Brothers

Ginetta

1960

When a impoverished widow’s family moves to the big city, two of her five sons become romantic rivals with deadly results.
Big Deal on Madonna Street

Big Deal on Madonna Street

Carmelina

1958

Best friends Peppe and Mario are thieves, but they're not very good at it. Still, Peppe thinks that he's finally devised a master heist that will make them rich. With the help of some fellow criminals, he plans to dig a tunnel from a rented apartment to the pawnshop next door, where they can rob the safe. But his plan is far from foolproof, and the fact that no one in the group has any experience digging tunnels proves to be the least of their problems.

Production