Claudia Cardinale (Tunis, 1938) is an Italian actress, a symbol of 1960s Italian cinema, and an international icon. Her career is studded with collaborations with world-renowned directors.

Among her most memorable roles are Angelica Sedàra in Luchino Visconti's *The Leopard* (1963) and the muse Claudia in Federico Fellini's *8½* (1963), two films that cemented her status. She achieved global fame by portraying Jill McBain in Sergio Leone's western *Once Upon a Time in the West* (1968).

Cardinale often embodied strong, sensual, and independent female characters, possessing natural beauty and a magnetic screen presence. Her versatility allowed her to span from drama to comedy, solidifying her image as a modern and complex woman. She remains one of the most beloved and recognizable figures in world cinema.