Claudia Cardinale, the iconic Italian actress renowned for her captivating performances in films such as "The Leopard" and "8½", has died at the age of 87. Her agent, Laurent Savry, confirmed that she passed away on September 23, 2025, in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children.

Born Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale on April 15, 1938, in La Goulette, Tunis, during the French protectorate of Tunisia, Claudia's parents were of Sicilian descent. Growing up in a multicultural environment, she primarily spoke French, along with Tunisian Arabic and the Sicilian language of her parents. She did not learn to speak Italian until she was twenty, when she started acting in films.

Cardinale's entry into the film industry was almost accidental. In 1957, she won the "Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia" contest, with the prize being a trip to the Venice Film Festival. This experience ignited her passion for acting, leading her to study at Rome's Centro Sperimentale film school. Her film debut came in 1958 with a minor role in "Goha," opposite Omar Sharif.

Her career quickly gained momentum, and she became one of Italy's most prominent actresses. During the 1960s, she starred in numerous Italian and European films, working with acclaimed directors such as Luchino Visconti and Federico Fellini. Some of her most notable films from this period include "Rocco and His Brothers" (1960), "Girl with a Suitcase" (1961), "The Leopard" (1963), and "8½" (1963). In "8 1/2" she played herself. Visconti, who recognized a "tigress" quality in her, offered her substantial roles, marking a turning point in her career.

Cardinale also ventured into Hollywood, appearing in films like "The Pink Panther" (1963), "Blindfold" (1965), "The Professionals" (1966), and "Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968). Sergio Leone's "Once Upon a Time in the West" earned her praise for her portrayal of a former prostitute. However, she eventually grew weary of the Hollywood film industry and returned to Italian and French cinema.

Throughout her career, Cardinale starred in over 100 films, showcasing her versatility and talent in a variety of roles. She received numerous accolades, including a David di Donatello for Best Actress for her roles in "The Day of the Owl" (1968) and "A Girl in Australia" (1971). She also won the Nastro d'Argento Award for Best Actress for her performance in "Claretta" (1984). In 2002, she was awarded a lifetime achievement award at the Berlin Film Festival. Cardinale continued to act in European films and theater productions until late in her life, appearing in the Swiss TV series "Bulle" in 2020.

Beyond her acting career, Cardinale was a vocal advocate for women's rights. She served as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador for the Defence of Women's Rights since March 2000. The Claudia Cardinale Foundation, established in 2022, aims to continue her commitment to humanitarian causes.

Claudia Cardinale's death marks the end of an era for Italian cinema. She leaves behind a legacy as one of Europe's greatest film icons, remembered for her beauty, talent, and charisma.