Claudia Cardinale’s six-decade career made her an icon of classic cinema, known for her beauty, talent, and strength. Born in Tunisia to Italian parents, she rose to fame after winning a beauty contest at 18, which led to film offers and a contract with producer Franco Cristaldi — who later became her controlling husband.
Cardinale’s early career was marked by personal trauma. At 19, she became pregnant after being raped. Under Cristaldi’s pressure, she hid the pregnancy, and her son Patrick was raised as her brother. She later revealed her story, saying she chose not to have an abortion despite the difficult circumstances.