Like many another female Italian film star, Claudia Cardinale's entry into the business was by way of a beauty pageant. She was 17 years old and studying at the Centro Sperimentale in Rome when she entered a beauty contest, which resulted in her getting a succession of small film roles. Her earthy interpretations of Sicilian women got her noticed by Italian producers, and the combination of her beauty, dark, flashing eyes, explosive sexuality and genuine acting talent virtually guaranteed her stardom. After Careless she rose to the front ranks of Italian cinema, and became an international star in Federico Fellini's classic Federico Fellini's 8 1/2 with Marcello Mastroianni. American audiences may best remember her from her starring role in Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in the West.



She has two children: Patrizio, who was born out of wedlock to mysterious Frenchman when she was 17 and later adopted by her longtime companion Pasquale Squitieri, and Claudia, whose biological father is Squitieri. She signed a contract forbidding her to cut her hair, marry or gain weight. Due to this contract, she told everyone that her new born son (out of wedlock) was her baby brother. She did not reveal to the child that he was her son, until he was 19 years old. Vital statistics in August 1976: 38-24-37. Has lived together with Pasquale Squitieri since 1975. Has been UNESCO good will Ambassador for the Defense of Women's Rights since 1999. 1965: Told a reporter she liked a dry martini before dinner, caviar for hors d'oeuvres, lobsters or oysters for seafood, or a steak alla Fiorentina. When it came to wine, her preference was for a rich, red wine. Originally intended to become a teacher in Tunis, North Africa. Her mentor was her late husband Franco Cristaldi. Long considered one of the world's great beauties, she has appeared on more than 900 magazine covers in over 25 countries.