Claudia Cardinale, one of the brightest stars of European cinema, has died at the age of 87. The actress passed away on September 23, 2025, at her home in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children, her agent confirmed. Her passing marks the close of an era when European art-house films and international co-productions shaped some of cinema’s most enduring masterpieces.

Born in Tunis in 1938 to Sicilian parents, Cardinale’s entry into the film world was anything but ordinary. As a teenager, she won a beauty pageant in Tunisia that granted her a trip to the Venice Film Festival, opening the door to the Italian film industry. Although her accent initially led directors to dub many of her roles, her on-screen magnetism was undeniable and quickly set her apart.

The 1960s proved to be the golden decade of her career. In 1963, she appeared in two landmark films: Federico Fellini’s 8½ and Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard, where her portrayal of Angelica Sedara won international praise. Later, her role in Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) cemented her reputation as a gifted actress who could seamlessly shift between drama, westerns, and auteur cinema.

Away from the spotlight, Cardinale’s personal life was marked by both hardship and resilience. She endured trauma early in life, including a secret pregnancy resulting from an abusive relationship. Despite such challenges, she continued to thrive professionally and later made France her home, where she also pursued theater and television while remaining an active and respected voice in European cultural life.

With over 100 films to her name across multiple languages, Claudia Cardinale leaves behind a remarkable legacy in global cinema. Tributes have poured in from around the world, celebrating not only her screen presence but also her strength and courage off-screen. She will be remembered as an icon whose beauty, talent, and resilience defined an extraordinary career and inspired generations of admirers.