At 86, Claudia Cardinale still shines as a timeless symbol of elegance, talent, and strength. The legendary Italian actress, best known to American audiences for her roles in The Pink Panther and Fellini’s 8½, has been captivating viewers for more than sixty years.

Her path to fame began unexpectedly in 1957 when, at just 18, she was crowned “Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia” during a film festival her mother helped organize. That title won her a trip to the Venice Film Festival—and suddenly, producers were lining up with movie offers. Though she initially turned them down, she eventually signed with Franco Cristaldi, a powerful producer who would end up controlling both her career and much of her personal life.

Cardinale’s career flourished on both sides of the Atlantic. With her smoky voice and striking looks, she became a favorite of visionary directors like Federico Fellini and Sergio Leone. Though often cast as a sex symbol, she famously refused to appear nude on screen, once saying, “It’s more erotic to leave something to the imagination.”

But Cardinale’s story wasn’t just one of red carpets and camera flashes. As a teen, she became pregnant after a sexual assault. Pressured to keep it quiet, she gave birth to her son in London and hid the truth for years—telling the public he was her younger brother. Later, she found lasting love with director Pasquale Squitieri, her partner until his passing in 2017.

Though she stepped away from Hollywood’s spotlight, Cardinale never stopped working. She continued acting and became a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, fiercely advocating for women’s rights and access to education.

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

Claudia Cardinale remains a true icon—not just for her unforgettable films, but for the strength, grace, and courage behind the scenes.