Claude Joséphine Rose "Claudia" Cardinale (15 April 1938, La Goulette, Tunisia - 23 September 2025, Nemours, France) was an Italian actress of Tunisian origin whose career spanned more than six decades and produced over 175 films. Ranked alongside Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida as one of the defining figures of Italian cinema, she worked with Fellini, Visconti, Leone and Herzog, and was widely celebrated in the 1960s as a leading sex symbol of European film. From 2000 she served as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for women's rights, and her career honours included the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at Venice (1993) and an Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlinale (2002).
The funeral service was held on September 30, 2025 at the Parisian church of Saint-Roch with the participation of film celebrities, politicians and hundreds of admirers; the coffin was accompanied by music from the film Once Upon a Time in the West.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Cardinale on social media and stated that France will forever carry this Italian and world star in its heart.
UNESCO issued a statement recalling her commitment to the organization since March 2000 and her efforts to improve the status of girls and women through education.
Claudia Cardinale died on September 23, 2025 at the age of 87 in the French town of Nemours in the presence of her children; the information was confirmed by her agent Laurent Savry to the AFP.
Cardinale's last film appearance was in the Italian-Tunisian drama Island of Oblivion (2022) directed by Ridha Behi.
in 4 days (15 days)
A unique cinema experience: watch a mystery film at an outdoor summer cinema, with the option to leave and get your money back within the first 20 minutes if it's not for you.
Summer cinema screening of the classic western "Once Upon a Time in the West" with Clint Eastwood. A tale of three men, ruthless gunslinger Frank, and their complex game of love, honour and revenge.