Claudia Cardinale is Italy’s counterpart to France’s Brigitte Bardot. She quickly rose to stardom to almost just as quickly disappear from the scene later on. Now, Claudia Cardinale celebrates her 85th birthday.
The Italian star was originally discovered at a beauty contest held in 1957 by the Unitalia film company. The “most beautiful Italian woman of Tunis” subsequently won a trip to the Venice Film Festival that was to become a decisive turning point in her life. The sultry young woman was born on April 15, 1938, in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Her mother was French, and her father Italian.
In 1958, Cardinale, known as CC, played her first role in “Goha” opposite Omar Sharif before being trained as an actress at the Italian Film Academy in Rome. Her talents as an actress renowned for her dauntless rambunctiousness gained her fame, and her gaze into the camera became legendary.
Famous director Luchino Visconti gave her minor roles in “Rocco and his Brothers” (1960), as well as in the historical drama “The Leopard” (1962) with Alain Delon. As she later recounted in a biographical interview, she rebuffed all of her famous film partners, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Marcello Mastroianni, Alain Delon and Burt Lancaster.
A beauty queen turned into a film diva
Cardinale is Italy’s counterpart of Brigitte Bardot. But in contrast to Bardot, Cardinale never appeared nude in a film: “I always thought it was more erotic to leave some room to imagination, hinting at things rather than showing everything,” she told the German magazine Stern in 2014.
CC achieved her breakthrough with her performance in the highly popular Italo western “Once Upon a Time in the West” (1969). The classical western directed by Sergio Leone and starring Henry Fonda and Charles Bronson was shot in Rome’s Cinecittà studios and in Spain with some scenes set in Utah’s Monument Valley. The film that flopped in the US only acquired cult status in Europe.
CC’s career already saw a downswing in the 1970s. She then turned to television films, especially entertainment films where she showed some talent as a comedian. She got her last main role in a movie in 1971 when she starred opposite her main rival, Brigitte Bardot, in the Italo western comedy “Frenchie King.”
Spending time in a jungle with Werner Herzog
Ten years later, CC starred in German director Werner Herzog’s historical film “Fitzcarraldo” (1981). Although Claudia Cardinale had a difficult time enduring the bouts of anger of her eccentric film partner Klaus Kinski, she greatly enjoyed shooting and working with director Werner Herzog: “Being in the middle of the jungle with insects all around me and nothing to eat was one of my most wonderful adventures,” she later stated.
Claudia Cardinale and other heroines of European film
Claudia Cardinale is seen as Italy’s counterpart to France’s Brigitte Bardot. The actress who became a star in the 1950s and 60s now celebrates her 85th birthday.
Claudia Cardinale
She’s the youngest of Italy’s three major female stars. Claudia Cardinale worked with outstanding directors like Luchino Visconti and Federico Fellini. She fascinated audiences with her charming smile and acting skills in westerns, among them “Once Upon a Time in the West” and “The Professionals” (pictured).
Gina Lollobrigida
One of the most highly acclaimed European stars of the 1950s and 60s was Gina Lollobrigida who was born in the East of Rome in 1927. “Lollo” even made it to Hollywood where she was equally showered with praise. In the 1970s, however, she withdrew from showbiz.
Sophia Loren
Another Italian actress, Sophia Loren, who was a few years younger than Lollo, became her fiercest rival. The mutual hatred and jealousy of the two stars was a frequent topic in tabloids. In contrast to Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren continued to perform in movies even as an older woman.
Brigitte Bardot
During the same time, another sexpot rose to stardom in France with movies like “And God Created Woman” and “Love is my Profession.” Brigitte Bardot, the superstar of the Grande Nation, withdrew from film production in the 1970s to devote herself to animal rights causes.
Catherine Deneuve
A decade later, Bardot’s compatriot Catherine Deneuve broke onto the film scene. Deneuve differed much from both Loren and Lollo by playing roles as aloof and myterious women early in her career. Deneueve’s talent as an actress guaranteed her success throughout her life.
Romy Schneider
The two decades between 1960 and 1980 were also the golden era of German-French actress Romy Schneider. Born in Vienna, she made her breakthrough in the German-speaking world as “Sissi” before moving to France. In Paris, she became one of the most charismatic and impressive actresses of European film scene. But in her private life, she was anything but lucky. She died in 1982.
Penélope Cruz
One of the most famous Europen actresses in recent decades is Spanish actress Penélope Cruz. Cruz started her career in her home country before achieving fame in other European countries and, finally, Hollywood. Her performances received a lot of acclaim, especially in films by director Pedro Almodóvar, among them “Volver” (pictured).
Irene Papas
After 1945, actresses from smaller European nations were able to conquer the hearts of audiences across Europe. One of them was Irene Papas who is also renowned as a singer in her home country, Greece. She celebrated her biggest success in “Zorba the Greek” (1964) before also working in other European countries, and in Hollywood.
Tatjana Samoilova
While films from Italy, France, Germany and England dominated the film scene during the postwar era, it should not be forgotten that eastern Europe had much to offer too. One of the biggest female stars of Russian film was certainly Tatjana Samoilova who achieved world fame with the movie “The Cranes are Flying” (1957).
Krystyna Janda
Polish actress Krystyna Janda became known in the 1970s for her performances in films by Polish director Andrzej Wajda. She then performed in international co-productions with stars like Lino Ventura. In her home country, Krystyna Janda is also known as a singer and an an author.
In 1993, CC received a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the Venice Film Festival to be followed in 2002 by an “honorary bear” at the Berlinale. The spirited actress performed in more than 100 films.
In 2017, CC once again drew attention at an international film festival. A photo depicting her as a young actress embellished a placard in Cannes where she had often been invited as an honorary guest. On April 15, Claudia Cardinale will turn 80. Happy birthday!
This article was originally published April 15, 2018 and updated.
My In-Laws Demanded Our Luxury Villa on Our Family Honeymoon – My Husband Gave Me the Green Light to Put Them in Their Place
What was supposed to be a dream honeymoon in Bora Bora quickly turned into a battle for control when my in-laws demanded our luxury villa for themselves. But when my husband finally allowed me to handle them, I made sure they got exactly what they deserved.
When we broke the news, my parents were overjoyed. They had always been modest, easygoing people who never expected extravagance.
A happy middle-aged couple | Source: Pexels
Growing up, vacations for us meant road trips, budget-friendly hotels, and simple pleasures like picnics on the beach. So, when Mark and I invited them on this luxurious trip, they were stunned.
My mom teared up, and my dad kept shaking his head, saying, “Are you sure this isn’t too much?” They kept thanking us, calling it the trip of a lifetime.
A happy surprised man | Source: Pexels
Mark’s parents, however, were harder to please.
Before we even booked the trip, I got a taste of just how much control Mark’s parents had over him. We had originally planned to go in late May. But when Mark told his mom, she immediately shot it down.
An upset mature woman | Source: Pexels
“No, Mark. That won’t work for us,” Linda had said firmly. “Your father has his golf tournament, and I have my garden club’s spring luncheon. You’ll have to move it.”
I had expected Mark to push back, to remind her that this was our honeymoon, not a family reunion. Instead, he sighed, gave me an apologetic look, and said, “We can reschedule, right?”
I was stunned. “Mark, we already put down deposits.”
A couple arguing | Source: Pexels
“I’ll cover the change fees,” he assured me. “It’s just easier this way.”
It wasn’t easier for me or my parents, who had to rearrange their own commitments. But for Linda and Richard? It was perfect. And, as always, what they wanted came first.
That night, I confronted him. “You can’t keep letting them run our lives.”
He sighed, rubbing his temples. “Just this once,” he promised. “After this trip, no more. We’re setting boundaries.”
A sad man sitting at a table | Source: Pexels
I smiled and squeezed his hand. “Next time, let me handle things.”
We had booked them a gorgeous bungalow on the water. It had a glass floor, an open-air bathroom, and a private deck. But their expressions when they arrived? Disappointment. They barely said thank you.
A disappointed couple in an airport | Source: Midjourney
Mark and I, on the other hand, had taken the only available villa. It turned out to be a 4,000-square-foot paradise. It had a sauna, an outdoor tub, a private pool, and an ocean slide that dropped straight into the turquoise water. It was breathtaking.
Still, I had a feeling trouble was brewing.
At first, I thought Mark’s parents just needed time to adjust. Maybe they were overwhelmed. But I was so wrong.
A smiling woman near a pool | Source: Midjourney
That evening, we all gathered for dinner. The warm air smelled like coconut and grilled seafood. The sun dipped into the horizon, painting the sky in pink and gold. We were laughing, enjoying fresh pineapple cocktails, when my cousin Jason leaned over to me, grinning.
“That ocean slide of yours is insane! I saw the pics—can I try it tomorrow?”
I laughed. “Of course! It’s so much fun.”
A laughing woman in a cafe | Source: Midjourney
But across the table, I heard a loud gasp.
“Wait… WHAT?” My mother-in-law, Linda, slapped her hand against the table. Her eyes darted to Mark. “You have an ocean slide?”
My father-in-law, Richard, frowned. “Your place has a slide?”
I felt my stomach twist. Here we go.
A frowning middle-aged man in a cafe | Source: Midjourney
Linda grabbed Mark’s phone off the table. She scrolled through the photos we had taken earlier that day. Her face turned red. “Mark, THIS is your place?!”
Mark hesitated. “Uh… yeah?”
Richard shoved his chair back. “And we’re stuck in a bungalow?!”
I blinked. Stuck? The bungalows were luxurious. People dreamed of staying in one.
A shocked woman in a denim jacket | Source: Freepik
“Mom, Dad,” Mark started, “your place is amazing. It’s the best bungalow they offer.”
“But it’s NOT a villa,” Linda snapped. She turned to me, voice sharp. “Why do YOU get the best place?”
I took a slow breath. Stay calm, Emily. “There was only one villa available,” I said. “It wouldn’t have been fair to give it to just one set of parents.”
A serious woman in a cafe | Source: Midjourney
Linda huffed. “We’re the elders! We shouldn’t live like peasants while our children enjoy luxury!”
I almost choked on my drink. Peasants? In Bora Bora?
Richard crossed his arms. “Mark OWES us. We raised him. He wouldn’t even be here without us.”
Linda nodded, smug. “You can’t even sacrifice a little for family?”
An angry middle-aged woman in a cafe | Source: Midjourney
Mark sat frozen. His eyes darted between me and his parents. Linda’s nostrils flared. Richard’s jaw was clenched so tight I thought he might break a tooth.
“Mark,” Linda snapped, expecting him to take their side. “Say something!”
A dissatisfied couple in a cafe | Source: Midjourney
Mark opened his mouth, then shut it. His hands curled into fists on the table. I could see the battle in his head. He had spent his entire life bending to their will. But now, it wasn’t just about him. It was about us.
He glanced at me. His blue eyes searched mine. And then, he exhaled and nodded. A small, almost imperceptible nod. My heart leaped. He was giving me permission.
A tired man in a cafe | Source: Midjourney
I turned to my in-laws, keeping my voice steady. “I understand you want something better. You’re right—family should be treated well. I’ll make sure you get the special treatment you deserve.”
Linda smirked. “Well, it’s about time.”
Richard scoffed. “Should’ve done that in the first place.”
A smirking couple looking at each other | Source: Midjourney
They stood up, practically preening, acting as if they had just won some great battle. Linda threw her napkin onto the table. “We’ll expect the change first thing in the morning.”
Richard grumbled under his breath as they stalked off. I caught the words “ungrateful children” before they disappeared down the wooden walkway.
I turned back to Mark. He exhaled, rubbing his face.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked.
A hesitant man in a cafe | Source: Midjourney
I smiled. “Oh, I’m very sure.”
That night, I made a quick call to the resort’s concierge. The request? An ‘upgrade’ for my in-laws.
The woman on the other end of the line was confused at first, but once I explained the situation, she let out a soft laugh.
“You want me to book them a flight home?” she asked.
A happy smiling woman talking on her phone | Source: Pexels
“First-class,” I confirmed. “Only the best for them.”
“Consider it done.”
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of suitcases rolling across the wooden deck outside my villa. I stepped onto the balcony just in time to see Linda and Richard arriving at the front desk, their chests puffed out in expectation.
An entitled couple at a front desk | Source: Midjourney
They were already gloating. I could see the certainty that they were about to waltz into our villa and take what they believed they deserved in their faces.
The concierge approached them with a warm smile. “Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, your special arrangements have been finalized.”
Linda beamed. “Finally! Where are our new keys?”
A smiling concierge in a hotel | Source: Midjourney
She handed them an envelope. “Your first-class tickets.”
Silence.
Linda’s eyebrows shot up. “Tickets?”
Richard snatched the envelope, ripping it open. His face turned a shade of red I hadn’t seen before. “This is a joke,” he growled. “This is a goddamn joke.”
An angry mature man | Source: Freepik
Linda’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. “YOU’RE SENDING US HOME?!” she shrieked so loudly that nearby guests turned to stare.
I stepped forward, flashing them my sweetest smile. “You said you deserved the best… and home is the best place we could find for you.”
Richard’s face burned. “HOW DARE YOU?!”
“Oh, very easily,” I said lightly.
A laughing blonde woman at a front desk | Source: Midjourney
Linda looked around, desperate for someone to intervene. She turned to Mark. “You’re going to let her do this to us?”
Mark sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Honestly? Yeah.”
Linda gasped like he had just slapped her. “We’re your parents!”
“And we’re on our honeymoon,” he replied. “You don’t even like Bora Bora, Mom. You complained the entire flight.”
An apologetic man in a hotel | Source: Midjourney
Linda sputtered, grasping at an argument. “Well… we… we didn’t think we’d be treated like this.”
I shrugged. “Safe travels.”
And just like that, the resort staff took over. Their bags were already packed and loaded onto a boat. Linda was still screeching when the boat pulled away from the dock. Mark stepped beside me, watching his parents disappear across the water.
A couple at a resort | Source: Pexels
He exhaled, shaking his head. “I can’t believe you actually did that.”
I wrapped an arm around his waist. “Believe it.”
He turned to me, his expression softer than I had seen in days. “I’m sorry I let it get this bad. I should have shut it down sooner.”
I reached for his hand. “You did the right thing in the end. That’s what matters.”
And finally, for the first time since we arrived, we could enjoy our honeymoon.
A couple under coconut trees | Source: Pexels
We spent the next few days soaking up every bit of luxury the villa had to offer.
We had slow, lazy mornings, wrapped up in each other, watching the sunrise over the ocean from our private deck. We sipped coffee in bed, no one interrupting us, no guilt hanging in the air.
At night, we had romantic dinners in our villa, the sound of waves in the background, the entire world feeling like it belonged to just us.
A couple on a romantic dinner | Source: Pexels
One evening, as we lounged in the outdoor tub, Mark pulled me close, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Best decision ever,” he murmured.
I smiled, sinking into his embrace. This trip was supposed to be about celebrating love, and in a way, it still was.
A happy couple at a resort | Source: Pexels
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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