Сlаudiа Саrdinаlе: Неrе’s whаt thе Itаliаn film iсоn lооks likе аt 85

Claudia Cardinale is Italy’s counterpart to France’s Brigitte Bardot. She quickly rose to stardom to almost just as quickly disappear from the scene later on. Now, Claudia Cardinale celebrates her 85th birthday.

The Italian star was originally discovered at a beauty contest held in 1957 by the  Unitalia film company. The “most beautiful Italian woman of Tunis” subsequently won a trip to the Venice Film Festival that was to become a decisive turning point in her life. The sultry young woman was born on April 15, 1938, in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Her mother was French, and her father Italian.

In 1958, Cardinale, known as CC, played her first role in “Goha” opposite Omar Sharif before being trained as an actress at the Italian Film Academy in Rome. Her talents as an actress renowned for her dauntless rambunctiousness gained her fame, and her gaze into the camera became legendary.

Famous director Luchino Visconti gave her minor roles in “Rocco and his Brothers” (1960), as well as in the historical drama “The Leopard” (1962) with Alain Delon. As she later recounted in a biographical interview, she rebuffed all of her famous  film partners,   Jean-Paul Belmondo, Marcello Mastroianni, Alain Delon and Burt Lancaster.

Cardinale and Delon (left) in a scene from "Il Gattopardo" by Luchino Visconti.
Claudia Cardinale appeared alongside famous actor Alain Delon in “Il Gattopardo” by Luchino ViscontiImage: AP

A beauty queen turned into a film diva

Cardinale is Italy’s counterpart of Brigitte Bardot. But in contrast to Bardot, Cardinale never appeared nude in a film: “I always thought it was more erotic to leave some room to imagination, hinting at things rather than showing everything,” she told the German magazine Stern in 2014.

CC achieved her breakthrough with her performance in the highly popular  Italo western “Once Upon a Time in the West” (1969). The classical western directed by Sergio Leone and starring Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson was shot in Rome’s Cinecittà studios and in Spain with some scenes set in Utah’s Monument Valley. The film that flopped in the US only acquired cult status in Europe. 

A scene from Fitzcarraldo featuring Cardinale in an old fashioned dress next to actor Klaus Kinski.
Cardinale also starred in the 1982 film “Fitzcarraldo” by Werner HerzogImage: picture-alliance / dpa

CC’s career already saw a downswing in the 1970s. She then turned to television films, especially entertainment films where she showed some talent as a comedian. She got her last main role in a movie in 1971 when she starred opposite her main rival, Brigitte Bardot, in the Italo western comedy “Frenchie King.” 

Spending time in a jungle with Werner Herzog 

Ten years later, CC starred in German director Werner Herzog’s historical film “Fitzcarraldo” (1981). Although Claudia Cardinale had a difficult time enduring the bouts of anger of her eccentric film partner Klaus Kinski, she greatly enjoyed shooting and working with director Werner Herzog: “Being in the middle of the jungle with insects all around me and nothing to eat was one of my most wonderful adventures,” she later stated.

Claudia Cardinale and other heroines of European film

Claudia Cardinale is seen as Italy’s counterpart to France’s Brigitte Bardot. The actress who became a star in the 1950s and 60s now celebrates her 85th birthday.

Claudia Cardinale

She’s the youngest of Italy’s three major female stars. Claudia Cardinale worked with outstanding directors like Luchino Visconti and Federico Fellini. She fascinated audiences with her charming smile and acting skills in westerns, among them “Once Upon a Time in the West” and “The Professionals” (pictured).

Gina Lollobrigida

One of the most highly acclaimed European stars of the 1950s and 60s was Gina Lollobrigida who was born in the East of Rome in 1927. “Lollo” even made it to Hollywood where she was equally showered with praise. In the 1970s, however, she withdrew from showbiz.

Sophia Loren

Another Italian actress, Sophia Loren, who was a few years younger than Lollo, became her fiercest rival. The mutual hatred and jealousy of the two stars was a frequent topic in tabloids. In contrast to Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren continued to perform in movies even as an older woman.

Brigitte Bardot

During the same time, another sexpot rose to stardom in France with movies like “And God Created Woman” and “Love is my Profession.” Brigitte Bardot, the superstar of the Grande Nation, withdrew from film production in the 1970s to devote herself to animal rights causes.

Catherine Deneuve

A decade later, Bardot’s compatriot Catherine Deneuve broke onto the film scene. Deneuve differed much from both Loren and Lollo by playing roles as aloof and myterious women early in her career. Deneueve’s talent as an actress guaranteed her success throughout her life.

Romy Schneider

The two decades between 1960 and 1980 were also the golden era of German-French actress Romy Schneider. Born in Vienna, she made her breakthrough in the German-speaking world as “Sissi” before moving to France. In Paris, she became one of the most charismatic and impressive actresses of European film scene. But in her private life, she was anything but lucky. She died in 1982.

Penélope Cruz

One of the most famous Europen actresses in recent decades is Spanish actress Penélope Cruz. Cruz started her career in her home country before achieving fame in other European countries and, finally, Hollywood. Her performances received a lot of acclaim, especially in films by director Pedro Almodóvar, among them “Volver” (pictured).

Irene Papas

After 1945, actresses from smaller European nations were able to conquer the hearts of audiences across Europe. One of them was Irene Papas who is also renowned as a singer in her home country, Greece. She celebrated her biggest success in “Zorba the Greek” (1964) before also working in other European countries, and in Hollywood.

Tatjana Samoilova

While films from Italy, France, Germany and England dominated the film scene during the postwar era, it should not be forgotten that eastern Europe had much to offer too. One of the biggest female stars of Russian film was certainly Tatjana Samoilova who achieved world fame with the movie “The Cranes are Flying” (1957).

Krystyna Janda

Polish actress Krystyna Janda became known in the 1970s for her performances in films by Polish director Andrzej Wajda. She then performed in international co-productions with stars like Lino Ventura. In her home country, Krystyna Janda is also known as a singer and an an author.

In 1993, CC received a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the Venice Film Festival to be followed in 2002 by an “honorary bear” at the Berlinale. The spirited actress performed in more than 100 films.

In 2017, CC once again drew attention at an international film festival. A photo depicting her as a young actress embellished a placard in Cannes where she had often been invited as an honorary guest. On April 15, Claudia Cardinale will turn 80. Happy birthday!

This article was originally published April 15, 2018 and updated.

Devastated After Burying My Wife, I Took My Son on Vacation – My Blood Ran Cold When He Said, ‘Dad, Look, Mom’s Back!’

Imagine burying a loved one, only to see them alive again. When my son spotted his “dead” mother on our beach vacation, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The truth I uncovered was far more heartbreaking than her death.

I never thought I’d experience grief so young, but here I am at 34, a widower with a 5-year-old son. The last time I saw my wife Stacey two months ago, her chestnut hair smelled of lavender as I kissed her goodbye. Then, a phone call that will forever be etched in my memory shattered my world… 💔

A man holding a smartphone | Source: Unsplash

A man holding a smartphone | Source: Unsplash

I was in Seattle at that time, finalizing a significant deal for my company when my phone buzzed. It was a call from Stacey’s father.

“Abraham, there’s been an accident. Stacey… she’s gone.”

“What? No, that’s impossible. I just talked to her last night!”

“I’m so sorry, son. It happened this morning. A drunk driver…”

An older man holding a phone | Source: Midjourney

An older man holding a phone | Source: Midjourney

His words faded into a dull roar. I don’t remember the flight home, just stumbling into our empty house. Stacey’s parents had already arranged everything. The funeral was over, and I hadn’t been able to say goodbye.

“We didn’t want to wait,” her mother said, avoiding my eyes. “It was better this way.”

I was too numb to argue. I should have fought harder. I should have demanded to see her, to say goodbye. But grief does funny things to your mind. It clouds your judgment and makes you accept things you’d normally question.

A grieving man in a cemetery | Source: Pexels

A grieving man in a cemetery | Source: Pexels

That night, after the funeral, I held Luke as he cried himself to sleep.

“When’s Mommy coming home?”

“She can’t, buddy. But she loves you very much.”

“Can we call her? Will she talk to us, Daddy?”

“No, baby. Mommy’s in heaven now. She can’t talk to us anymore.”

He buried his face in my chest as I held him tight, my tears falling silently. How could I explain death to a five-year-old when I could barely understand it myself?

A teary-eyed little boy in bed | Source: Midjourney

A teary-eyed little boy in bed | Source: Midjourney

Two months crawled by.

I threw myself into work and hired a nanny for Luke. But the house felt like a mausoleum. Stacey’s clothes still hung in the closet and her favorite mug sat unwashed by the sink. Every corner held a memory, and those memories were slowly haunting me.

One morning, as I watched Luke push his cereal around his bowl, barely eating, I knew we needed a change.

“Hey champ, how about we go to the beach?” I asked, trying to inject some enthusiasm into my voice.

A woman's clothes hung in a closet | Source: Unsplash

A woman’s clothes hung in a closet | Source: Unsplash

His eyes lit up for the first time in weeks. “Can we build sandcastles?”

“You bet! And maybe we’ll see some dolphins.”

I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe this trip was what we both needed to start healing.

We checked into a beachfront hotel, our days filled with sun and surf. I watched Luke splash in the waves, his laughter a soothing melody to my weary soul. I almost forgot the pain and lost myself in the simple joy of being a dad.

A little boy standing on the beach and holding a ball | Source: Midjourney

A little boy standing on the beach and holding a ball | Source: Midjourney

On our third day, I was lost in thought when Luke came running.

“Daddy! Daddy!” he shouted. I smiled, thinking he wanted more ice cream.

“Dad, look, Mom’s back!” he said, pointing at someone.

I froze, following his gaze. A woman stood by the beach, her back to us. Same height as Stacey with the same chestnut hair. My heart pounded so hard I could feel it in my throat.

A woman standing on the beach | Source: Unsplash

A woman standing on the beach | Source: Unsplash

“Luke, buddy, that’s not—”

The woman turned slowly. And my stomach dropped the moment our eyes met.

“Daddy, why does Mommy look different?” Luke’s innocent voice cut through my shock.

I couldn’t speak. My eyes were fixed on the horror about thirty yards away, laughing.

It was Stacey.

Her eyes widened as she grabbed the arm of a man next to her. They hurried away, disappearing into the crowd of beach-goers.

A startled woman | Source: Midjourney

A startled woman | Source: Midjourney

“Mommy!” Luke cried, but I scooped him up.

“We need to go, buddy.”

“But Dad, it’s Mom! Didn’t you see her? Why didn’t she come say hi?”

I carried him back to our room, my mind reeling. It couldn’t be. I’d buried her. Hadn’t I? But I knew what I saw. That was Stacey. My wife. Luke’s mother. The woman I thought was dead.

A little boy crying | Source: Pexels

A little boy crying | Source: Pexels

That night, after Luke fell asleep, I paced the balcony. My hands shook as I dialed Stacey’s mother.

“Hello?” she answered.

“I need to know exactly what happened to Stacey.”

Silence, then, “We’ve been through this, Abraham.”

“No, tell me again.”

A man holding a phone | Source: Midjourney

A man holding a phone | Source: Midjourney

“The accident was early morning. It was too late by the time we reached the hospital.”

“And the body? Why couldn’t I see her?”

“It was too damaged. We thought it best—”

“You thought wrong,” I snapped, hanging up.

I stood there, staring out at the dark ocean. Something wasn’t right. I could feel it in my gut. And I was going to get to the bottom of it.

A senior woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

A senior woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

The next morning, I took Luke to the kids’ club in the resort along with his nanny. “I’ve got a surprise for you later, champ!” I promised, hating myself for the lie.

I spent hours combing the beach, the shops, and the restaurants. No sign of Stacey or her companion. With each passing hour, my frustration grew. Was I going crazy? Had I imagined the whole thing?

As the sun began to set, I slumped onto a bench, defeated. Suddenly, a familiar voice made me jump.

“I knew you’d look for me.”

Silhouette of a woman near the beach | Source: Unsplash

Silhouette of a woman near the beach | Source: Unsplash

I turned to find Stacey standing there, alone this time. She looked just like I remembered, but somehow different. Harder. Colder.

“How?” It was all I could manage.

“It’s complicated, Abraham.”

“Then explain it,” I snarled, my hands shaking with anger and shock as I secretly captured her conversation on my phone.

A sad woman with her eyes downcast | Source: Midjourney

A sad woman with her eyes downcast | Source: Midjourney

“I never meant for you to find out like this. I’m pregnant.”

“What?”

“It’s not yours,” she whispered, not meeting my eyes.

The story slowly spilled out. An affair. A pregnancy. An elaborate plan to escape.

“My parents helped me,” Stacey admitted. “We knew you’d be away. The timing was perfect.”

“Perfect?” Do you have any idea what you’ve done to Luke? To me?”

Close-up of a furious man frowning | Source: Midjourney

Close-up of a furious man frowning | Source: Midjourney

Tears streamed down her face. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t face you. This way, everyone could move on.”

“Move on? I thought you were DEAD! Do you know what it’s like to tell your five-year-old son his mother is never coming home?”

“Abraham, please try to understand—”

“Understand what? That you’re a liar? A cheater? That you let me grieve while you ran off with your lover?”

Close-up of a distressed woman | Source: Midjourney

Close-up of a distressed woman | Source: Midjourney

“Keep your voice down,” she hissed, glancing around nervously.

I stood, towering over her. “No. You don’t get to call the shots anymore. You lost that right when you decided to play dead.”

As Stacey opened her mouth to respond, a small voice cut through, stopping me cold.

“Mommy?”

We both turned. Luke stood there, his eyes wide, clutching his nanny’s hand. My heart sank. How much had he heard?

A sad little boy crying | Source: Pexels

A sad little boy crying | Source: Pexels

Stacey’s face went white. “Luke, honey—”

I scooped him up, backing away. “Don’t you dare speak to him.”

The nanny looked confused, her eyes darting between Stacey and me. “Sir, I’m so sorry. He ran off when he saw you.”

“It’s okay, Sarah. We’re leaving.”

Luke squirmed in my arms. “Daddy, I want to go to Mommy… please. Mommy, don’t leave me. Mommy… Mommy!”

Close-up of a startled woman's eyes | Source: Midjourney

Close-up of a startled woman’s eyes | Source: Midjourney

I carried him away, ignoring his tearful pleas. In our room, I packed frantically while Luke peppered me with questions.

“Why are you crying, Daddy? Why can’t we go to Mommy?”

I knelt before him, taking his small hands in mine. How could I explain this? How do you tell a child that his mother chose to abandon him?

A teary-eyed little boy looking up | Source: Pixabay

A teary-eyed little boy looking up | Source: Pixabay

“Luke, I need you to be brave. Your mother did a very bad thing. She lied to us.”

His lower lip trembled. “She doesn’t love us anymore?”

The innocent question shattered what was left of my heart. I pulled him close, unable to hold back my tears. “I love you enough for both of us, buddy. Always. No matter what happens, you’ll always have me, okay?”

His tiny head nestled against my chest, a small nod followed by a deep sleep. His tears soaked through my shirt, leaving a damp, salty reminder of our shared grief.

A sad little boy looking out the window | Source: Freepik

A sad little boy looking out the window | Source: Freepik

The next few weeks were a blur. Lawyers, custody arrangements, and explaining to Luke in terms a 5-year-old could understand. Stacey’s parents tried to reach out, but I shut them down. They were as much to blame as she was.

One month later, I sat in my lawyer’s office and signed the final papers.

“Full custody and generous alimony,” she said. “Given the circumstances, Mrs. Stacey didn’t contest anything.”

I nodded, numb. “And the gag order?”

“In place. She can’t discuss the deception publicly without severe penalties.”

A lawyer in her office | Source: Pexels

A lawyer in her office | Source: Pexels

As I stood to leave, my lawyer touched my arm. “Abraham, off the record, I’ve never seen a case like this. How are you holding up?”

I thought of Luke, waiting at home with my parents, the only ones he could trust now. “One day at a time!” I said.

In the eyes of the law, I was no longer a widower. But in my heart, the woman I married was gone forever, leaving behind only a ghost of broken promises and shattered trust.

Grayscale of an emotional man | Source: Pixabay

Grayscale of an emotional man | Source: Pixabay

Two months later, I stood on our new balcony, watching Luke play in the backyard. We’d moved to a different city, a fresh start for both of us. It hadn’t been easy. Luke still had nightmares and still asked about his mom. But slowly, we were healing.

One day, my phone buzzed with a text from Stacey.

“Please, let me explain. I miss Luke so much. I’m feeling so lost. My boyfriend broke up with me. 😔🙏🏻

I deleted it without responding. Some bridges, once burned, can never be rebuilt. She’d made her choice, and now she had to live with it.

Close-up of a man holding a phone | Source: Unsplash

Close-up of a man holding a phone | Source: Unsplash

As the sun set on another day, I hugged my son tight. “I love you, buddy,” I whispered.

He grinned up at me, his eyes shining with trust and love. “I love you too, Daddy!”

And in that moment, I knew we were going to be okay. It wouldn’t be easy, and there would be tough days ahead. But we had each other, and that’s what mattered most.

A father and child holding hands | Source: Pexels

A father and child holding hands | Source: Pexels

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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