Explore The Leopard's Aristocratic Cast and Characters

Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1860s, 'The Leopard' tells the story of a proud Sicilian aristocrat, Prince Don Fabrizio Salina, played masterfully by Burt Lancaster. As Giuseppe Garibaldi's troops march forward in their campaign for the unification of Italy, the long-established social structures of the Sicilian nobility come under threat. The film captures this historical pivot point as the Prince grapples with the disintegration of his family's status while coming to terms with the rapid societal changes that challenge his way of life.

In a bid to preserve his family's legacy and influence amidst the upheaval, the pragmatic Don Fabrizio reluctantly consents to a marriage proposal between his ambitious and charismatic nephew, Tancredi, and the striking Angelica Sedara. Portrayed by Claudia Cardinale, Angelica is the daughter of the newly wealthy and socially intrusive Don Calogero, a man who epitomizes the rising bourgeois class that threatens the aristocracy’s traditions. This union symbolizes a significant shift, marrying the old-world charm of Sicilian nobility with the ambitious aspirations of a new social order. The prince's acceptance of this alliance showcases his keen awareness of the tides of change, even as it highlights his internal conflict and sense of loss.

As the story unfolds, 'The Leopard' artfully navigates themes of power, class struggle, and the bittersweet passage of time. It poignantly illustrates how the personal and political intertwine as the Prince witnesses the fateful transformation of the world around him. The film's lush cinematography and rich character development serve to deepen the viewers' engagement with the characters' struggles, culminating in a poignant reflection on the inevitability of change in both society and personal identity. With a backdrop of historical significance, the narrative invites audiences to ponder the costs of modernization, making 'The Leopard' a timeless exploration of human resilience in the face of irrevocable change.

Full Cast of The Leopard

Burt Lancaster

Prince Don Fabrizio Salina

Burt Lancaster delivered a performance of quiet authority and understated pathos as Prince Don Fabrizio Salina in Luchino Visconti's 1963 epic, "The Leopard." His portrayal of the aging Sicilian nobleman, caught in the twilight of his reign during the tumultuous period of the Risorgimento, is a masterclass in subtlety and nuance. Lancaster, with his commanding screen presence, brought a depth of emotion to the role, capturing the internal conflict of a man watching his beloved way of life slip away while grappling with the inevitability of change and the rise of a new social order. His expressive eyes and nuanced facial expressions convey the Prince's melancholy and resigned acceptance of his fate, as well as his fierce love for his family and his ancestral home. Lancaster's performance, though initially an unexpected choice for the role, ultimately proved to be a defining moment in his career, showcasing his remarkable range as an actor and cementing his status as a legend of the silver screen.

Claudia Cardinale

Angelica Sedara / Bastiana

Claudia Cardinale delivered a captivating dual performance as Angelica Sedara and Bastiana in Luchino Visconti's epic masterpiece "The Leopard" (1963). As Angelica, the enchanting and ambitious daughter of a nouveau riche mayor, Cardinale exudes a radiant sensuality and a shrewd understanding of the shifting social tides in post-Garibaldi Sicily. Her portrayal is a delicate balance of innocence and cunning, as she navigates the complex social hierarchy and ultimately marries into the aristocracy to secure her family's position. In the role of Bastiana, Cardinale transforms into a humble peasant woman, offering a stark contrast to Angelica's refinement. Her performance is grounded and earthy, capturing the essence of the simple yet profound life of the Sicilian commoners. Cardinale's ability to seamlessly transition between these two roles is a testament to her range and depth as an actress, making her portrayal of both characters an indelible part of the film's tapestry, which explores themes of class, loyalty, and the inevitability of change. Her presence on screen is magnetic, and her performances contribute significantly to the film's enduring legacy as a poignant depiction of the demise of the old world and the birth of a new era.

Alain Delon

Tancredi Falconeri

Alain Delon's portrayal of Tancredi Falconeri in Luchino Visconti's epic period drama "The Leopard" (1963) is often hailed as one of the most enigmatic and charismatic performances of his career. Delon brings to life the character of the young and handsome Sicilian nobleman with a complex blend of aristocratic charm and a restless, progressive spirit. Tancredi's character arc, from a carefree, womanizing soldier to a man acutely aware of the changing political tides in 19th-century Italy, is navigated by Delon with a nuanced grace. His performance is a study in contradiction—equal parts cynical and idealistic—embodying the paradox of a man who is both a product of his time and an agent of its transformation. Delon's Tancredi is a figure of languid elegance and smoldering intensity, capturing the essence of a character caught between the decaying world of the old aristocracy and the birth of a new Italy. His chemistry with co-stars Burt Lancaster, who plays his uncle Prince Don Fabrizio Salina, and Claudia Cardinale, who plays his love interest Angelica, adds layers of depth to his performance, making Tancredi a memorable character in the annals of cinematic history.

Paolo Stoppa

Don Calogero Sedara

Paolo Stoppa delivered a memorable performance as Don Calogero Sedara in Luchino Visconti's epic film "The Leopard" (1963), based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa's novel of the same name. Stoppa masterfully embodied the character of the ambitious and socially climbing mayor of Donnafugata, a small town in Sicily. His portrayal of Don Calogero, often referred to as the "Cavalier" Sedara, showcased a sharp contrast to the film's aristocratic protagonist, Don Fabrizio Corbera, played by Burt Lancaster. Stoppa's Don Calogero is a man of humble origins who has managed to accumulate wealth and power during the tumultuous period of the Risorgimento. With a blend of cunning, uncouth manners, and a shrewd business sense, Stoppa's character represents the emergent class of nouveaux riches in post-unification Italy. His performance is marked by a robust presence, an expressive face capable of switching from servile flattery to sly manipulation, and a voice that carries the weight of his social ambitions. Stoppa's nuanced acting brings depth to Don Calogero, making him both a comedic figure, with his social faux pas, and a serious contender for power in the changing political landscape. His interactions with the other characters, especially with Don Fabrizio's nephew Tancredi (Alain Delon), underscore the shifts in societal hierarchies and the waning influence of the old nobility. Paolo Stoppa's portrayal of Don Calogero is a highlight of "The Leopard," contributing significantly to the film's rich tapestry of characters and its exploration of the themes of change, decay, and the passage of time.

Rina Morelli

Princess Maria Stella Salina

Romolo Valli

Father Pirrone

Romolo Valli delivered a performance of understated grace and quiet intensity as Father Pirrone in Luchino Visconti's epic film "The Leopard" (1963). His portrayal of the Jesuit priest, who serves as both confessor and advisor to Prince Fabrizio Salina (played by Burt Lancaster), showcases Valli's ability to convey complex emotions through nuanced expressions and a thoughtful demeanor. Father Pirrone's character is pivotal, acting as a moral compass and a bridge between the aristocratic world of the 19th-century Sicilian prince and the changing social landscape brought about by Italy's Risorgimento. Valli's performance is marked by a gentle sincerity and a deep-seated wisdom, which complements the grandeur of the film's narrative and visual style. His scenes with Lancaster are particularly compelling, as they navigate the intricacies of loyalty, faith, and the inevitability of change, with Valli's Father Pirrone embodying a stoic resignation to the passage of time and the decline of the old order. Valli's subtle yet profound embodiment of the character ensures that Father Pirrone lingers in the memory as a figure of grace amidst the tumultuous transformation of an era.