At 86, Claudia Cardinale continues to embody elegance, talent, and resilience. The legendary Italian actress—famous for starring in film classics like The Pink Panther and Fellini’s 8½—has been a beloved figure in cinema for over sixty years.

Her rise to fame began in 1957, almost by chance. At just 18 years old, she was crowned “Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia” at a film festival her mother was helping to organize. The title earned her a trip to the Venice Film Festival, where she caught the attention of producers. Though she initially turned down most offers, she eventually signed with Franco Cristaldi, a prominent film producer who not only guided her career but also became a dominant force in her personal life.

Cardinale went on to shine in both European cinema and Hollywood. With her striking features and smoky voice, she quickly became a favorite of legendary directors like Federico Fellini and Sergio Leone. Though often cast as a sex symbol, Cardinale drew a firm line—refusing to appear nude on screen. “It’s more erotic to leave something to the imagination,” she once said.

Behind the scenes, Cardinale’s life was marked by incredible challenges. As a teenager, she became pregnant after being sexually assaulted. Pressured into secrecy, she gave birth in London and was forced to pass off her son as her younger brother for many years. She later found stability with filmmaker Pasquale Squitieri, whom she was with until his death in 2017.

Though she distanced herself from the traditional Hollywood machine, Cardinale never stopped acting and eventually used her voice for advocacy. As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, she’s championed women’s rights and access to education around the world.

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

Claudia Cardinale’s legacy goes far beyond the silver screen. She remains a timeless symbol of courage, dignity, and unshakable spirit.