Claudia Cardinale, one of the luminous faces of post-war Italian cinema and an enduring icon for generations of Armenians, died on September 23, 2025, at the age of 87 in Nemours, France, surrounded by her children, according to her agent.
Born Claude Joséphine Rose Cardinale in Tunis on April 15, 1938, she was the daughter of Sicilian parents who had settled in North Africa. As a teenager, she expected to become a schoolteacher, but her life changed after she won a beauty contest in Tunisia. The prize included a trip to the Venice Film Festival, where she attracted the attention of Italian producers and began her film career. She later recalled that she initially refused the offer to act and had to be persuaded for six months.
Cardinale quickly became one of Europe’s most recognized actors, appearing in more than 100 films and television productions. Audiences around the world remember her for Federico Fellini’s surreal masterpiece “8½” (1963), Luchino Visconti’s sweeping historical drama “The Leopard” (1963), Sergio Leone’s epic western “Once Upon a Time in the West” (1968), and Blake Edwards’ classic comedy “The Pink Panther” (1963). Her husky voice, expressive eyes, and combination of sensuality and strength made her a favorite of directors from Visconti and Leone to Blake Edwards and Richard Brooks. The Golden Lion-winning actor was also a longtime UNESCO goodwill ambassador for women’s rights.
A French-Armenian Story: “Mayrig”
While Cardinale’s fame was cemented by Italian and Hollywood classics, her role in “Mayrig” (1991) forged a unique bond with Armenians around the world. Directed and written by French-Armenian filmmaker Henri Verneuil, “Mayrig”—which means “mother” in Armenian—is a semi-autobiographical film about the struggles of an Armenian family that fled the 1915 genocide and emigrated to France. Cardinale and Egyptian-born actor Omar Sharif played Araxi and Hagop, the parents of young Azad, Verneuil’s alter ego. The movie’s epic narrative and portrayal of maternal resilience resonated deeply with Armenian audiences.
Verneuil had wanted her to embody his own mother, and Cardinale said she felt fortunate to play the part and to learn about Armenian history: “I was lucky to play the role of [the] mother in this film and get acquainted with Armenian history.” The film, she said, linked her forever to the country. The film’s haunting soundtrack included the traditional Armenian folk song “Dle Yaman,” further deepening its emotional resonance for Armenian audiences. Following the film’s success, Verneuil edited it into a television series and followed it with a sequel, “588 Rue Paradis,” released the following year.
Remembered as Armenia’s ‘Mayrig’
Cardinale’s connection to Armenians went beyond a single performance. The film’s success led many members of the diaspora to call her their “Mayrig”—mother. When she visited Armenia for the Golden Apricot International Film Festival in July 2010, fans met her at Yerevan’s airport with flowers and cheers. Cardinale told reporters she was happy to be in Armenia. She received a tribute award and a commemorative medal at the festival, which opened with a screening of “Mayrig.” Organizers noted that the film’s portrayal of an immigrant family helped put Armenia on the world cinema map.
In an interview with the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, Cardinale described how her portrayal of Araxi turned her into a surrogate mother for Armenians everywhere. “Henri Verneuil was great,” she recalled, adding that after the film “all the Armenians come to me and kiss me and say: ‘Thank you!’” She later said she felt a special bond with Armenian audiences, noting that Verneuil’s personal story had taught her about the community’s resilience and diaspora experience. The Armenian General Benevolent Union praised the cast, highlighting the “flawless performance of these intrepid actors, especially of Claudia Cardinale.” In interviews, she spoke warmly about the Armenian people, admiring their endurance and the way they honored their past. The role of Araxi, she explained, was not just an acting challenge but a lesson in history and empathy. Her presence helped raise awareness of the Armenian genocide and the plight of refugees—topics she continued to highlight when discussing “Mayrig” and its sequel.
Legacy and Tributes
Claudia Cardinale’s passing sparked a global outpouring of tributes. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called her “a symbol of Italian cinema,” while directors and actors praised her independence, spirit, and fearlessness. Cultural institutions in Tunisia and France celebrated her impact on world cinema. In Armenia, she was remembered not just as a film legend, but as an honorary mother to the diaspora. Local media recalled how, through “Mayrig,” she embraced Armenian history and became a cultural icon. Social media filled with clips from her performance, and the Armenian Film Society declared, “We will always remember Claudia Cardinale as our ‘Mayrig’.” Her six-decade career bridged cultures, and whether playing aristocrats, bandits, or immigrant mothers, she embodied grace and strength. Her portrayal of Araxi in “Mayrig” ensures that Armenians everywhere will continue to embrace her as family.
