Cardinale did not set out to become one of the finest actors of the golden age; instead, he pursued a path to popularity that was often paved with trauma. Outliving the now-deceased Hollywood giants with whom she once shared the screen, and still going strong at 86, she claims “cinema saved my life.” As an iconic actress, Claudia Cardinale has left an indelible mark on Italian and international film. Her talent, beauty, and versatility allowed her to portray a wide range of complex and memorable characters throughout her career