• Claudia Cardinale, the renowned Italian actress, died at 87 in France.
• Best known for her roles in '8½,' 'The Leopard,' and 'The Pink Panther.'
• Her career spanned over six decades, making her a symbol of Italian cinema.
• Cardinale was also a strong advocate for women's rights and a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
• She left behind a legacy celebrated by filmmakers and fans alike.

Claudia Cardinale, the iconic star of Italian cinema, has died at the age of 87, surrounded by her children in Nemours, France, according to her agent Laurent Savry. Widely regarded as a symbol of post-war Italian cinema, Cardinale's career spanned over six decades, where she captivated audiences with her performances in over 100 films and made-for-television productions, notably in Federico Fellini’s “8½” and Luchino Visconti’s “The Leopard” in 1963, which solidified her status as a leading actress.

Born on April 15, 1938, in Tunis to Sicilian parents, Cardinale's entry into the film industry began unexpectedly after she won a beauty contest at the age of 16. This opportunity led her to the Venice Film Festival, which marked the start of her illustrious career. Initially reluctant to enter the film world, she reflected on her journey stating, “The fact I’m making movies is just an accident,” as she had originally aspired to become a schoolteacher, according to Reuters and Los Angeles Times.

Cardinale's rise to fame was not without its challenges. She faced personal hardships, including a traumatic experience in her teens when she was raped and became pregnant. She later made the difficult choice to secretly give birth and raised her son Patrick as her younger brother for several years. She expressed, “I was forced to accept this lie to avoid a scandal and protect my career," revealing the personal cost behind her public persona, according to South China Morning Post and BBC.

Throughout her career, Cardinale became a muse to revered directors, contributing significantly to the golden age of Italian cinema. Her stunning performances earned her both critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase, with the Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli proclaiming her one of the greatest actresses of all time, embodying “Italian grace,” according to AfricaNews and Le Monde.

In addition to her cinematic achievements, Claudia Cardinale was a steadfast advocate for women’s rights and served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Her legacy is solidified not only through her remarkable performances but also her commitment to social issues, making her a true icon of her time. "I’ve lived more than 150 lives… and that is marvelous to have this opportunity to change yourself," she once stated, encapsulating her prolific career and enduring influence in the film industry, according to Los Angeles Times, BBC, and South China Morning Post.