Claudia Cardinale, Here Is what the Italian film icon looks like at 86

Claudia Cardinale’s legacy in film is nothing short of extraordinary. Now 86, the iconic Italian actress remains a symbol of elegance, strength, and resilience—qualities she carried through a career that spanned more than six decades. Known for her unforgettable roles and timeless beauty, Cardinale captivated audiences worldwide, but her journey to stardom was marked by deep personal challenges and private pain she carried with remarkable grace.

Born in Tunisia to Italian parents, Cardinale’s rise to fame began unexpectedly at 18, when she was crowned “The Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia” during a local film festival. That moment led to an invitation to the Venice Film Festival, where producers quickly saw her star potential. Although initially hesitant to enter the film industry, Cardinale understood the power of patience, once remarking, “If you say yes immediately, he goes away. If you say no, he desires you longer.” Eventually, she agreed to begin acting under the direction of producer Franco Cristaldi, who would later become her husband.

Their relationship, however, was deeply controlling. Under Cristaldi’s guidance, every detail of Cardinale’s life was managed—including her image, her roles, and even her most intimate secrets. One of the most haunting chapters of her life came early on, when she became pregnant as a result of rape. Under Cristaldi’s insistence, she kept the pregnancy hidden. Her son, Patrick, was raised believing Cardinale was his sister. The truth only came to light when he turned 19.

In a 2017 interview, Cardinale opened up about that time with brutal honesty. Despite pressure to terminate the pregnancy, she refused. “It was a complicated time,” she said. “But I couldn’t go through with an abortion. I chose to bring him into the world.” Her choice was an act of quiet courage—one that defied the stigma and silence of her era.

Professionally, Cardinale’s career blossomed. After her breakout in Three Strangers in Rome (1958), she gained international fame with performances in Rocco and His Brothers (1960), 8½ (1963), and The Leopard (1963). Her beauty drew comparisons to Brigitte Bardot, but Cardinale stood apart—refusing to appear nude on screen and stating, “It’s far more sensual to leave something to the imagination.”

She found success in Hollywood too, starring in The Pink Panther (1963) alongside David Niven and in Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) opposite Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson. Despite the glamour, Cardinale found Hollywood’s male-dominated culture stifling. She eventually returned to Europe, where she accepted smaller paychecks in exchange for greater creative control.

Later in life, Cardinale chose a quieter path. She married director Pasquale Squitieri in 1975, and they remained together until his passing in 2017. The couple had one daughter, Claudia. Though she stepped away from the spotlight, she never stopped advocating for what mattered. As a UNESCO goodwill ambassador, Cardinale has used her voice to promote women’s rights and support vulnerable communities.

In 2022, she addressed rumors about her health, confirming that she was in good condition and enjoying life in France with her family. Even now, Cardinale carries herself with the same dignified presence that first made her a star.Her story is not just one of fame—it’s one of endurance, integrity, and fierce independence. From surviving trauma to defying industry expectations, Claudia Cardinale remains a testament to the power of a woman who refuses to be defined by the roles others write for her. At 86, she continues to inspire as more than a screen legend—she is a living symbol of courage, beauty, and inner strength.