Cardinale won acclaim for her role as a prostitute in the American-Italian film Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), where she co-starred with icons such as Henry Fonda, Jason Robards and Charles Bronson.
But what audiences enjoyed most was seeing Cardinale, dubbed the Italian Brigitte Bardot, with the real Bardot – her friend and rival – in the 1971 film The Legend of Frenchie King. What made her different from Bardot? According to her, she never starred nude in films, ‘I always thought it was more erotic to leave room for the imagination by hinting at something rather than showing everything.’
Working in Hollywood was both successful and stressful. In an article published in Life magazine, where she was called ‘the most admired international film star since Sophia Loren,’ Cardinale revealed that she wanted to break free from the patriarchal Hollywood system. Speaking about lower salaries in Europe, Cardinale said: ‘If I have to give up money, I will give it up. I don’t want to become a cliché.’
Time is unstoppable
Although her career has slowed down, Cardinale says she’s happy to step away from the sexual attention.
‘When I was young, my dream was to explore the world. And I did. I’ve never been naked or done anything to change my face. I don’t like that at all. I like being who I am because you can’t stop time,’ Cardinale said.
She once shared in an interview, ‘I’ve never done – what are you saying? – Put my face up. Things like that. My mum used to say: ‘Wait until you’re older and you’re always smiling.’ It’s true. So why hide it?’
Cardinale married Italian film director Pasquale Squitieri in 1975 and was with him until his death in 2017. The couple has a daughter, Claudia.
In 2022, Cardinale reacted to rumours that she had been forcibly hospitalised. Living in France, she said: ‘I am with my family, I am in perfect health. And I wish everyone a happy summer.’
Today, Cardinale is actively working with UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador for Women’s Rights.
Claudia Cardinale has had quite a busy life, full of traumas and successes. It’s nice to see her inspire other women with her story and we hope she continues to be in good health. What is your favourite film with Cardinale?