Renowned Italian actress Claudia Cardinale, known for her roles in The Pink Panther and Once Upon A Time In The West, passed away at the age of 87, as reported by French media outlets.
The actress, with over 100 films and TV productions to her credit, died in Nemours, France, surrounded by her family, her agent informed the AFP news agency.
Aged 17, she won a beauty contest in her birthplace Tunisia, where she was raised by Sicilian parents, winning a trip to the Venice Film Festival and launching her acting career.
She had originally hoped to become a school teacher before participating in the contest.
Claudia Cardinale at the Prix Lumieres awards ceremony in Paris in January 2013. Pic: AP
Cardinale gained international acclaim in 1963 through roles in Federico Fellini’s 8-1/2 and The Leopard.
Her career highlights include starring in The Pink Panther and Sergio Leone’s Once Upon A Time In The West in 1968.
She considered 1966’s The Professionals to be the pinnacle of her Hollywood career.
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At the Berlin Film Festival in 2002, where she received a lifetime achievement award, she reflected on her illustrious career.
“I’ve led more than 150 lives, from a prostitute to a saint, to a romantic; every type of woman, and that’s a marvellous opportunity to reinvent yourself,” she remarked.
“I have worked with the most renowned directors. They have given me invaluable experiences.”
In 2000, Cardinale was appointed a goodwill ambassador for UNESCO to champion women’s rights.
She leaves behind two children.
