Claudia Cardinale’s six-decade career made her an iconic figure in Italian and international cinema. Born in Tunisia, she was discovered at 18 after being crowned Most Beautiful Italian Girl in Tunisia, which launched her film career. Despite early success, her rise was marked by personal trauma. Pregnant at 18 from a violent assault, she kept her son’s identity secret for years. Under the control of producer and husband Franco Cristaldi, who managed her career and personal life strictly, she struggled with depression and limited freedom before leaving him in 1975.