Legendary actress Claudia Cardinale, best known for her roles in The Leopard, 8½, and The Pink Panther, has died at the age of 87 in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children.

Born in Tunisia to Sicilian parents in 1938, Cardinale rose to stardom during the golden age of Italian cinema. Her career spanned over six decades, working with iconic directors like Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti. She was first discovered after winning a beauty contest at 16, which led her to the Venice Film Festival and eventually into acting.

Despite early personal hardships—including a traumatic assault as a teenager and a secret pregnancy—Cardinale built a successful career driven by her determination to be independent and provide for her son, Patrick.

Her agent, Laurent Savry, praised her as “a free and inspired woman both as a person and an artiste.”

Claudia Cardinale leaves behind a powerful legacy as one of cinema’s most enduring and resilient stars.