Claudia Cardinale, the legendary Tunisian-born Italian actress celebrated for her roles in cinematic masterpieces such as *The Leopard*, *8 ½*, and *The Pink Panther*, has died at the age of 87. Her passing occurred in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children, as confirmed by her agent, Laurent Savry. Cardinale’s illustrious career spanned six decades, during which she became a symbol of Italian cinema’s golden era, collaborating with iconic directors like Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti. Born in Tunisia in April 1938 to Sicilian parents, Cardinale’s journey to stardom began when she won a beauty contest at 16, earning her the title of ‘the most beautiful Italian woman in Tunis.’ This victory led her to the Venice Film Festival, where she was discovered by filmmakers. Despite her initial reluctance to pursue acting, she eventually embraced the craft, driven by a desire for independence and financial stability. Her early career was marked by personal challenges, including a traumatic assault and the secret birth of her son, Patrick, whom she initially introduced as her younger brother. Cardinale’s unique multilingual background initially posed challenges in Italian cinema, as her accent led to her voice being dubbed by other actors. However, her breakthrough came in 1963 with her roles in Fellini’s *8 ½* and Visconti’s *The Leopard*. She later ventured into Hollywood, starring in *The Pink Panther* and *Once Upon a Time in the West*, working alongside legends like Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson. Cardinale’s career was also marked by her advocacy for women’s rights, earning her the title of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 2000. She continued acting into her 80s, leaving behind a legacy of grace, resilience, and artistic brilliance. Italy’s Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, hailed her as ‘one of the greatest Italian actresses of all time,’ embodying ‘Italian grace.’