Claudia Cardinale, Iconic Actress and Humanitarian, Passes Away at 87

Claudia Cardinale, the legendary Italian actress celebrated for her impactful roles in European cinema, has passed away at the age of 87 in the Paris region. Born Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale on April 15, 1938, in La Goulette, Tunisia, she was of Sicilian and French descent. Her career began after winning a beauty pageant, which paved the way for her breakthrough in the film industry. Known for her performances in classics like 'The Leopard' and '8½', Cardinale worked with illustrious directors such as Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti.

Despite her early struggles, including a traumatic experience linked to producer Franco Cristaldi, Cardinale emerged as a prominent figure in cinema, sharing the screen with stars including Burt Lancaster and Alain Delon. In addition to her film accomplishments, she was vocal about humanitarian causes, supporting AIDS awareness, women's rights, and environmental initiatives. In 2023, she founded the Claudia Cardinale Foundation to assist young artists in their professional journeys. Her legacy is not only defined by her extensive filmography, which encompasses over 150 titles, but also by her unwavering dedication to the arts and social issues.