At 86, Claudia Cardinale remains a powerful symbol of elegance, talent, and resilience. The legendary Italian actress, best known to American audiences for her roles in The Pink Panther and Fellini’s 8½, has captivated fans around the world for more than 60 years.

Her rise to fame began unexpectedly in 1957. At just 18, she was crowned “Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia” at a film festival she helped her mother organize. The title won her a trip to the Venice Film Festival and opened the door to the film industry. Though she initially turned down most offers, she eventually signed with influential producer Franco Cristaldi—who later held significant control over both her career and personal life.

Cardinale’s star quickly rose in both Hollywood and European cinema. With her striking beauty and unmistakable husky voice, she became a muse for directors like Federico Fellini and Sergio Leone. Often dubbed a sex symbol, she famously refused to pose nude, insisting, “It’s more erotic to leave something to the imagination.”

Behind her glamorous image, Cardinale faced serious challenges. As a teenager, she became pregnant following a sexual assault. Pressured to keep it secret, she gave birth in London and publicly pretended her son was her younger brother for many years. Later in life, she found lasting companionship with director Pasquale Squitieri, her husband until his death in 2017.

Though she stepped back from Hollywood’s spotlight, Cardinale continued acting and became a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, championing women’s rights and access to education.

“I’ll keep fighting for women,” she once said. “With passion and dedication.”

Today, Claudia Cardinale stands as more than a movie star—she’s a survivor, a trailblazer, and a lasting inspiration.