Who Is Claudia Cardinale? Age, Biography and Wiki
Claudia Cardinale, born on April 15, 1938, is an influential Italian actress who garnered international acclaim for her captivating performances in classic films during the 1960s and 1970s. With a career spanning over six decades, Claudia has established herself as one of the most prominent figures in Italian cinema and is known for her roles in masterpieces like 8½, The Leopard, and Once Upon a Time in the West.
As of 2025, Claudia Cardinale is 86 years old. Despite her age, she continues to enchant audiences around the world.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 15, 1938 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Tunis, French Tunisia |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Tunisia |
Popularity
Claudia Cardinale's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Claudia Cardinale stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. Over the years, she has maintained a graceful presence in the film industry. Her weight has varied throughout her career, and as of 2025, she is estimated to weigh around 140 lbs (63 kg). Her body measurements reflect her classic beauty, with proportions that have remained respectable even into her later years.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Born in Tunis to Italian parents, Claudia Cardinale comes from a close-knit family. She has had a few significant relationships throughout her life but has often kept her personal life private. As of 2025, Claudia is not publicly known to be dating anyone, following a romantic history that includes high-profile actors and directors. She was married to American film producer Franco Cristaldi from 1966 until their divorce in 1975, and they have a daughter together, Claudia Maria.
Her father, Francesco Cardinale, was a railway worker, born in Gela, Sicily. They later settled in La Goulette, which had a large Italian community. At home, she would speak French only, but also speaks Tunisian Arabic, and the Sicilian language of her parents. She did not learn to speak a word of Italian until she started being cast in Italian films.
Net Worth and Salary
Claudia Cardinale's illustrious career has been financially rewarding. As of 2025, her estimated net worth stands at around $10 million. This figure reflects her earnings from acting, endorsements, and various business ventures over the years. Today, she remains a respected figure in cinema, participating in film festivals and public events, which continued to contribute to her financial success.
Career, Business and Investments
Claudia Cardinale's career began in the early 1950s, and she quickly rose to fame with her performances in both Italian and Hollywood films. Her ability to transcend cultural barriers has made her a beloved international figure. Beyond acting, Claudia has ventured into producing and has invested in various artistic and humanitarian projects. Her work in films not only focused on her acting but also on advocating for social issues, such as women’s rights and cultural heritage preservation.
Jaded with the Hollywood film industry and not wanting to become a cliché, Cardinale returned to Italian and French cinema, and garnered the David di Donatello for Best Actress award for her roles in Il giorno della civetta (1968) and as a prostitute alongside Alberto Sordi in A Girl in Australia (1971).
In 1974, Cardinale met director Pasquale Squitieri, who would become her partner, and she frequently featured in his films, including Blood Brothers (1974), Corleone (1978), and Claretta (1984), the last of which won her the Nastro d'Argento Award for Best Actress.
In 1982, she starred in Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo as the love interest of Klaus Kinski, who raises the funds to buy a steamship in Peru.
In 2010, Cardinale received the Best Actress Award at the 47th Antalya "Golden Orange" International Film Festival for her performance as an elderly Italian woman who takes in a young Turkish exchange student in Signora Enrica.
Social Network
Claudia Cardinale maintains a low-key presence on social media. As of 2025, she engages with her fans primarily through official accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where she shares moments from her life and experiences in the film industry. Her social media presence continues to inspire a new generation of actors and filmmakers.
Cardinale was educated at the Saint-Joseph-de-l'Apparition School of Carthage, which she attended along with her younger sister Blanche. She then studied at the Paul Cambon School, graduating with the intention of becoming a teacher.
As a teenager, she was described as "silent, weird, and wild", and like other young women of her generation, was fascinated by Brigitte Bardot, who came to prominence in the 1956 film And God Created Woman, directed by Roger Vadim.
Education
Claudia Cardinale studied at the University of Palermo in Sicily, where she initially pursued a degree in business and literature. However, her passion for acting led her to focus more on her film career rather than completing her studies. Despite the relatively informal background, Claudia's talent and charm lit up the silver screen, establishing her as a cultural icon.
In conclusion, Claudia Cardinale remains a fascinating figure in the entertainment industry, known not only for her outstanding performances but also for her grace and enduring legacy. As we look towards the future, her contributions to film and the arts will continue to resonate with audiences around the globe.
In 2010, Cardinale received the Golden Orange Best Actress Award at the 47th Antalya "Golden Orange" International Film Festival for her performance as an elderly Italian woman who takes in a young Turkish exchange student in Signora Enrica. The Turkish-Italian co-production was shot in locations in Istanbul and Rimini.
