French actresses who were born in 1915
Here are 8 famous actresses from France were born in 1915:
Édith Piaf
Édith Piaf (December 19, 1915 Belleville, Paris-October 10, 1963 Alpes-Maritimes) otherwise known as Edith Giovanna Gassion, Edit Piaf, Idith Piaf, Edith Piaf, Édith Giovanna Gassion, The Little Sparrow, Ãdith Giovanna Gassion, Jean Maurice Eugène Clément Cocteau, The French Billie Holiday, La Môme Piaf, Edith Gassion, La Mome Piaf, Kid Sparrow, La vie en rose, Small bird, Édith Lamboukas, Édith Pills, Édith Gassion or The Waif Sparrow was a French singer, songwriter and actor. She had one child, Marcelle Dupont.
Édith Piaf was born as the daughter of a café singer and a street performer who left her in the care of her paternal grandmother. She grew up in poverty and began singing on the streets of Paris with her father at a young age. Piaf was discovered by a club owner who gave her the opportunity to perform and record her songs. She gained fame in the 1930s and 1940s for her emotional and powerful voice, singing songs of love, loss, and heartbreak. Some of her most famous songs include "La Vie en Rose," "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien," and "Milord". Piaf was known for her petite stature, stage presence, and dramatic delivery, earning her the nickname The Little Sparrow. She struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol throughout her life and died from liver cancer at the age of 47. Despite her relatively short career, Piaf remains an icon in the French music industry and her enduring legacy has inspired countless artists around the world.
Piaf's early years were marked by tragedy and hardship, as she was abandoned by her mother and later her father, and was raised primarily by her grandmother in a brothel. Despite her difficult upbringing, Piaf's talent was evident from a young age, and she honed her skills as a performer by singing in cafes and on the streets of Paris. In the late 1930s, she began to attract the attention of prominent figures in the French music industry, and her career took off from there.
Throughout her life, Piaf had a reputation for being fiercely independent and unapologetically authentic in her artistry. She performed in both French and English, and her songs were known for their intensely personal and emotional content. Despite controversy and criticism over some of her personal and professional choices, Piaf remained beloved by fans and respected by fellow artists throughout her career.
Today, Édith Piaf is remembered not only as one of France's most iconic singers, but as a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. Her music continues to inspire new generations of artists and her legacy remains an important part of French and global cultural history.
Blanchette Brunoy
Blanchette Brunoy (October 5, 1915 Paris-April 3, 2005 Manosque) also known as Blanche Bilhaud was a French actor.
Brunoy began her acting career in the 1930s and soon became a prominent figure in French cinema. She notably worked with acclaimed directors such as Marcel Pagnol and Jean Renoir. Brunoy was known for her talent in portraying complex and often tragic characters. She appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, many of which are considered classics of French cinema.
In addition to her work in film, Brunoy also had a successful career on stage and television. She continued to act well into her later years, with her last role coming in 1997.
Brunoy was honored with several awards throughout her career, including the Legion of Honour in 1990. She remains a beloved figure in French entertainment and is remembered as one of the greatest actors of her generation.
Brunoy was born as Blanche Bilhaud on October 5, 1915, in Paris, France. Her parents were both actors, and she grew up in a family of performers. Brunoy's interest in acting was sparked by her parents, and she began her training in theater at a young age.
In 1934, Brunoy made her film debut in La crise est finie, directed by Robert Siodmak. She soon became a sought-after actress, appearing in several films throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
Brunoy's notable works include La Bête Humaine (1938) by Jean Renoir, La Femme du Boulanger (1938) and The Baker's Wife (1938) by Marcel Pagnol, and Les Enfants Terribles (1950) by Jean-Pierre Melville. She was also known for her performances in theater productions such as Les Monstres sacrés by Jean Cocteau.
Brunoy was married twice, first to French film director Jacques Feyder from 1935 to 1942 and then to the publisher Raymond Schwingel from 1951 until his death in 1980.
Despite suffering from Alzheimer's disease in her later years, Brunoy remained active in the industry until her final role in the TV movie L'Allée du Roi in 1997.
Brunoy passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 3, 2005, in Manosque, France, at the age of 89. She was survived by her two children, Philippe and Dominique Schwingel.
Ariane Borg
Ariane Borg (August 24, 1915 Roubaix-April 16, 2007 Couilly-Pont-aux-Dames) a.k.a. Lucie Derveaux-Six, Lucie Zelie Derveaux or Olga Muriel was a French actor.
Borg began her acting career in the 1930s, appearing in French films such as "Le Petit Chose" and "Vacances". She also acted on stage under the name Lucie Derveaux-Six. During World War II, she joined the French Resistance and was arrested by the Gestapo, but managed to escape. After the war, she resumed her acting career and appeared in over 60 films, including "La Belle Equipe", "La Marie du Port" and "Lettres de Mon Moulin". Borg was also a talented singer and released several records in the 1950s. She continued to act into her 80s, appearing in films like "Les Soeurs Soleil" and "Une Femme En Blanc". In 1975, she was awarded the Legion of Honor for her service during World War II. Borg passed away in 2007 at the age of 91.
Throughout her career, Ariane Borg was known for her versatility as an actor and her ability to play both dramatic and comedic roles. She worked with some of the most acclaimed French directors of the time, including Marcel Carné, Jean Grémillon, and Marcel Pagnol. In addition to her acting work, Borg was also a painter, and her artwork was exhibited in galleries throughout France. She was a supporter of animal rights and was involved with several animal welfare organizations. In her later years, she lived a quiet life in the countryside outside of Paris.
Mado Maurin
Mado Maurin (September 24, 1915 Paris-December 8, 2013) a.k.a. Madeleine Maurin was a French actor. She had six children, Dominique Maurin, Patrick Dewaere, Jean-Francois Maurin, Yves-Marie Maurin, Marie-Veronique Maurin and Jean-Pierre Maurin.
Mado Maurin made her acting debut in 1936 in the French film "Le choc en retour". She went on to star in over 50 films over a span of four decades, including "The Adventures of Arsène Lupin" (1957) and "Le petit baigneur" (1968). She was known for her roles in comedies and dramas, and was beloved by French audiences for her warm and lively performances.
In addition to her successful acting career, Mado Maurin was also a devoted mother to her six children. Her son Patrick Dewaere also became a famous actor in France, known for his roles in films such as "Going Places" (1974) and "Série noire" (1979). Mado Maurin remained active in the French entertainment industry throughout her life, and was a well-respected figure in French cinema until her passing in 2013.
Mado Maurin was born and raised in Paris, France. Her father was a circus performer and her mother was a dancer, so it is no surprise that Maurin inherited a love of entertainment. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a performer and eventually got her start in the entertainment industry as a chorus girl in the Folies Bergère in Paris. Her talent was noticed and she quickly began getting roles in French films.
Throughout her long career, Mado Maurin worked with some of the most notable names in French cinema, including Jean Gabin, Alain Delon, and Louis de Funès. She was known for her versatility and ability to switch between comedic and dramatic roles. In addition to her work as an actor, she was also a writer and director, and served on the board of the Cannes Film Festival.
Despite her success, Mado Maurin remained humble and dedicated to her family. She was known for her warmth and generosity, and often used her platform to advocate for social causes such as women's rights and animal welfare. Her legacy as one of France's most beloved actors and a devoted mother continues to live on today.
Monelle Valentin
Monelle Valentin (May 25, 1915 Tourcoing-April 7, 1979 Neuilly-sur-Seine) also known as Thérésa Denorme Lietaer de Tresgnies was a French actor. She had one child, Catherine Anouilh.
Valentin began her acting career in the 1930s and rose to fame in the 1950s with her appearances in films such as "Gigi" (1958) and "The 400 Blows" (1959). She also performed on stage, particularly in the works of playwright Jean Anouilh, who she was married to from 1949-1956. Valentin continued to act in films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in notable films such as "The Day of the Jackal" (1973) and "A Woman at Her Window" (1976). Additionally, she was a regular performer on French television in several popular shows. Despite her successful career, Valentin was known for being a private person and rarely gave interviews.
Valentin's career began on the stage, performing in plays by renowned playwrights such as Molière, Racine, and Corneille. She eventually began appearing in films in the 1930s, making her debut in the French film "L'Hôtel du libre échange" in 1934. Valentin's talent as an actor was undeniable and she quickly shot to fame, becoming known for her many roles in French cinema.
In addition to her work in theater and film, Valentin also had a successful career in television. She appeared in numerous television series in France, including the popular show "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes," which aired from 1958 to 1996.
Valentin's personal life was often the subject of media attention, but she remained fiercely private. Her marriage to Jean Anouilh was a source of fascination for many, but the couple divorced in 1956 after a tumultuous relationship. Despite this, Valentin's career continued to flourish and she remained an icon of French cinema until her death in 1979 at the age of 63.
Fun-Sen
Fun-Sen (February 28, 1915 Tonkin-February 5, 1989 Neuilly-sur-Seine) a.k.a. Foun-Sen, Foon-Sen, Foon Sen, Foun Sen, Fun Sen or Cécile Nguyen-Ngoc-Tue was a French actor.
Fun-Sen was born in Tonkin (now Vietnam) and grew up in a family of intellectuals. She graduated from the law faculty of Indochina College and went on to study at the Paris Conservatoire. She made her debut on stage in 1949 and soon after began a prolific film career, appearing in over 80 films. Fun-Sen was one of the few Asian performers to enjoy mainstream success in French cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. She starred in films such as "Les Amants de Montparnasse" (Montparnasse 19), "Le Désordre et la Nuit" (Night Affair), and "Le Tonnerre de Dieu" (The Thunder of God). In addition to her film career, Fun-Sen was also a trailblazer for Asian actors in theater, often playing leading roles in productions in France and overseas. She died in 1989, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and influential performer.
Fun-Sen's success in the French film industry during the 1950s and 1960s was notable for breaking racial barriers at a time when there were few roles available for Asian actors. Despite facing discrimination and being cast in stereotypical roles, she was able to rise above and show her talent as an actress. Her performances were praised for their depth and emotional complexity. In addition to her film and stage work, Fun-Sen was also active in promoting cultural exchange between France and Vietnam. She was a member of the Union des Femmes Françaises and was involved in charitable work supporting Vietnamese refugees in France. Her legacy as an actress and advocate for social justice continues to be celebrated today.
Jeanne Hardeyn
Jeanne Hardeyn (March 2, 1915 Levallois-Perret-February 14, 1981 Issy-les-Moulineaux) otherwise known as Jeanne Marguerite Thoyot or Jane Hardeyn was a French actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s and went on to appear in over 50 films throughout her career. Hardeyn was known for her versatility as an actress and her ability to play both dramatic and comedic roles. Some of her most notable film roles include "La Bandera" (1935), "Carnet de bal" (1937), and "Les Dames du bois de Boulogne" (1945). In addition to her film work, Hardeyn also appeared on stage and television. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1977 for her contributions to French cinema. Hardeyn passed away in 1981 at the age of 65.
Hardeyn was born to a family of artists, her father was a theater director, and her mother was a singer. After completing her studies, Hardeyn began working in the theater under the stage name Jeanne Thoyot. She made her film debut in 1933 with a minor role in the film "Matricule 33". Her first major role came in the film "La Bandera" (1935), which also starred Jean Gabin. In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Hardeyn appeared in a string of successful films, including "Carnet de bal" (1937) and "Circonstances atténuantes" (1939).
During World War II, Hardeyn became involved with the French Resistance and used her acting skills to support the cause. After the war, she continued to act both on stage and in film. In 1945, she appeared in the Robert Bresson film "Les Dames du bois de Boulogne", which is considered a classic of French cinema.
Hardeyn's later film work included roles in films such as "Le Fruit défendu" (1952), "Le Comte de Monte Cristo" (1954), and "Le Feu aux poudres" (1957). She also acted in several television programs, including the popular series "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" in the 1960s.
In addition to her acting career, Hardeyn was active in various cultural organizations and served as a member of the Cannes Film Festival jury in 1954. She was also honored with the Molière Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1969 for her work in the play "Les Justes" by Albert Camus.
Hardeyn's career spanned several decades, and she is remembered as one of the great French actresses of her time. Her contribution to French cinema was recognized in 1977 when she was awarded the Legion of Honour by the French government.
Jacqueline Dufranne
Jacqueline Dufranne (January 9, 1915 Chatou-March 16, 2011 Paris) also known as Jacqueline Duffrane was a French actor.
She began her acting career in the mid-1930s and became well-known for her roles in French cinema during the 1940s and 1950s. Dufranne was often praised for her natural acting style and her ability to convey complex emotions on screen. Some of her notable film credits include "Les Disparus de Saint-Agil" (1938), "La Grande Illusion" (1937), and "Le Rouge et le Noir" (1954). Dufranne also worked in theater and was a member of the Comédie-Française from 1950 to 1955. She continued to act in film and television in the following decades, earning critical acclaim for her performances in the films "Echappement libre" (1964) and "La Dame de Montsoreau" (1969). Dufranne was married to actor Serge Reggiani from 1945 to 1954 and they had one child together. She passed away in Paris in 2011 at the age of 96.
In addition to her acting career, Dufranne had a passion for painting and exhibited her artwork in Parisian galleries. She was also known for her love of literature and often read poetry at public events. Dufranne was an active member of the French Resistance during World War II and used her celebrity status to aid the movement. She later received the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur for her bravery and contributions to the cause. Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Dufranne remained a private person and rarely gave interviews or participated in public appearances. She is remembered as a talented and influential actress in French cinema history.