French actresses who were born in 1909
Here are 11 famous actresses from France were born in 1909:
Pola Illéry
Pola Illéry (December 18, 1909 Corabia-February 15, 2012 Scranton) a.k.a. Paula Iliescu or Polly Alpert was a French actor.
Pola Illéry was born in Romania and moved to Paris in the 1920s to pursue a career in acting. She began working in French cinema in the early 1930s and quickly gained notice for her performances in films like "Le Grand Jeu" (1934) and "L'Homme des Folies Bergère" (1935). She also appeared in a number of Hollywood productions, including "The Great Waltz" (1938), "Everybody's Woman" (1934), and "One Hour Late" (1934).
Illéry's career was cut short by the outbreak of World War II. She fled to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania, where she lived for the rest of her life. In her later years, she became something of a local legend in Scranton, where she was known for her wit, charm, and colorful personality. She continued to act in community theater productions well into her nineties. Pola Illéry passed away in 2012 at the age of 102.
Though she is best known for her work in film, Pola Illéry was a multi-talented artist. In addition to her acting career, she was also an accomplished singer and dancer. She often incorporated these skills into her performances, making her a dynamic presence onscreen. Despite her success in the entertainment industry, she was known for her humility and down-to-earth personality. Illéry was also a philanthropist and donated much of her time and money to various charitable causes, including animal welfare organizations. Her legacy continues to be celebrated both in France and the United States, where she remains a beloved figure in cinematic and theatrical history.
Mona Goya
Mona Goya (November 25, 1909 Mexico City-October 8, 1961 Clichy) also known as Simone Isabelle Marchand was a French actor.
She was born to a Mexican father and a French mother, and spent her childhood between France and Mexico. Mona Goya began her acting career in French cinema in the 1930s and was active until the early 1950s. She appeared in over 30 films, playing a variety of roles including lead and supporting actress. Some of her notable films include "Mollenard" (1938), "Le Quai des Brumes" (1938) and "Bizarre, Bizarre" (1937).
During World War II, Goya joined the French Resistance, where she used her bilingual skills to relay messages between members of the resistance network. She was arrested by the Gestapo in 1942 and spent several months in prison before she was released. After the war, she briefly returned to film but eventually retired from acting in the 1950s.
Goya was married twice, first to the French actor Jean Tissier and later to the Mexican diplomat Eduardo Ruiz. Mona Goya died in Clichy, France in 1961 at the age of 51.
Despite retiring from the film industry, Mona Goya remained active in the cultural and political scene. She was a member of the French Socialist Party, advocating for workers' rights and social justice. Goya also worked as a journalist, writing for several left-wing publications, including L'Humanité and Ce Soir. In addition to her activism, Goya was known for her philanthropic work, supporting charities that helped children and marginalized communities. Her legacy as an actor and activist has been recognized with several posthumous honors, including the unveiling of a plaque in her memory in Paris in 2001.
Germaine Aussey
Germaine Aussey (December 18, 1909 Paris-March 15, 1979 Geneva) also known as Germaine Agassis or Germaine Adrienne Agassiz was a French actor.
She began her acting career in the early 1930s and appeared in over 40 films throughout her career. Aussey's breakthrough role came in 1934 when she starred in the film "Quai des Orfèvres". She continued to work throughout World War II, and her popularity only grew in the post-war years. In addition to her work on screen, Aussey was also a prominent figure in the French theater scene. She worked closely with Jean Cocteau and was a member of his "Les Enfants Terribles" theater company. Despite her success, Aussey was known for her modesty and shyness off-screen. She retired from acting in the early 1960s and lived the rest of her life in Switzerland, where she passed away in 1979 at the age of 69.
Germaine Aussey was born in Paris to a family of Swiss and American origin. She grew up bilingual in French and English, which helped her later in her career as an actor. Aussey was drawn to the arts at a young age and started studying dance in her teenage years. She eventually shifted her focus to acting and began studying under the renowned teacher René Simon.
In 1933, Aussey made her film debut in "Le Gendre de monsieur Poirier". However, it was her role in "Quai des Orfèvres" the following year that propelled her to stardom. Aussey quickly became one of France's most popular and sought-after actors, known for her captivating on-screen presence and ability to portray complex characters.
During World War II, Aussey continued to work in the film industry while also supporting the French Resistance. She used her connections in the entertainment industry to help hide Jewish friends and colleagues from the Nazis.
After the war, Aussey remained busy with acting, as well as her theater work with Cocteau's company. Her notable stage roles included the title role in Racine's "Phèdre" and the character of Mme de Montespan in Agnès Varda's adaptation of Cocteau's play "The Revenants".
Aussey was married twice, first to the actor and producer Robert Teynac and later to the Swiss painter Edouard Marcel Sandoz. She had one daughter, the actor and writer Michèle Alfa.
Throughout her career, Germaine Aussey was known for her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft. She left behind a lasting legacy in French cinema and theater.
Simone Paris
Simone Paris (September 10, 1909 1st arrondissement-December 17, 1985 Mantes-la-Jolie) otherwise known as Simone Marie-Thérèse Maderon was a French actor.
Simone Paris began her acting career in the mid-1920s and quickly gained popularity, becoming a leading lady in film and theater productions throughout the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her roles in French films such as "La Belle Équipe" and "Les Bas-Fonds." During World War II, Paris joined the French Resistance and played an active role in fighting against the German occupation. After the war, she continued her successful acting career and received numerous accolades, including the Legion of Honor in 1977. Apart from her acting career, Simone Paris was also an accomplished writer and painter, often exhibiting her works in galleries across France. She passed away in 1985 at the age of 76 in Mantes-la-Jolie.
Simone Paris was born as Simone Marie-Thérèse Maderon in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France. Her father was a theatrical director and her mother was a playwright. She grew up in a family of artists and spent much of her childhood in the theater. Paris began taking acting lessons when she was a teenager and made her stage debut in 1924. Her natural talent and striking beauty quickly caught the attention of directors and producers, and she was offered several roles in the theater.
In 1928, Paris made her film debut in "Mademoiselle from Paris." She appeared in several successful films in the 1930s, including "La Belle Équipe," which won the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film at the 1936 Cannes Film Festival. Paris also starred in Jean Renoir's "Boudu Saved from Drowning" in 1932 and "La Tosca" in 1941.
During World War II, Paris joined the French Resistance and became a courier for the group. She also used her acting skills to help smuggle Jews out of France and played a key role in the liberation of the city of Chartres. After the war, Paris returned to her acting career and continued to receive critical acclaim for her performances.
In addition to her work in film and theater, Simone Paris was an accomplished writer and painter. She wrote several books, including a memoir of her experiences during the war, and exhibited her paintings in galleries across France. She was married twice and had one daughter. Simone Paris passed away on December 17, 1985, at the age of 76 in Mantes-la-Jolie, France.
Georgette Anys
Georgette Anys (July 15, 1909 Bagneux-March 4, 1993 Les Mureaux) a.k.a. Georgette Anis or Georgette Marie Dubois was a French actor.
She appeared in over 70 films throughout her career, including "The Baker's Wife" and "La Cage aux Folles." Anys also had success on stage, performing in numerous plays in Parisian theaters. Furthermore, she was a talented singer, releasing several records throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Anys was the daughter of a music hall artist and began her own career in the performing arts at a young age. She quickly gained popularity in France and became a well-known figure in the entertainment industry.
Despite her success as an actor and singer, Anys never forgot her roots in the music hall world. She often performed in cabarets and music venues throughout France, showcasing her talents as a comedic actress and singer. One of her most famous roles was in the play "Frou-Frou," which she performed in for years to great acclaim. Anys was known for her wit, charm, and vibrant personality both on and off stage. In addition to her acting and singing, she was also a dedicated activist for animal rights and served as the president of the French Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She passed away in 1993 in Les Mureaux, France, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of French entertainment.
Germaine Montero
Germaine Montero (October 22, 1909 Paris-June 29, 2000 Orange) a.k.a. Germaine Montéro, G.Montero, Montéro, Germaine, Germaine Berthe Caroline Heygel, Germaine Heygel, Germana Montero or Max Revol was a French actor and singer.
Born in Paris, Montero started out as a singer in cabarets in the 1930s. She quickly became known for her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. In the 1940s, she transitioned to acting and became a highly sought after actress in French cinema, appearing in over 30 films throughout her career.
Montero was also a passionate political activist and was heavily involved in leftist movements. She even spent time in a concentration camp during World War II for her involvement in the resistance.
Despite her success on stage and screen, Montero faced criticism for her outspoken politics and was even banned from performing in certain countries. However, she continued to use her platform to promote social justice and equality throughout her life.
Montero passed away in 2000 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as both a talented performer and a fierce advocate for change.
In addition to her work in cabarets and cinema, Germaine Montero was also a celebrated stage actress. She performed in numerous theatrical productions throughout her career, including the lead role in Jean Cocteau's "The Human Voice." Montero was also a gifted voice-over artist, lending her voice to numerous films and television shows. Her rich, powerful voice made her a sought-after performer across a variety of mediums.
Montero was not only known for her political activism, but also for her outspoken feminism. She was a member of the French Feminist Union and frequently spoke out about women's rights in interviews and public appearances.
Throughout her life, Montero received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to the arts and social justice movements. In 1989, she was awarded the Legion of Honour, one of France's highest honors. Despite facing discrimination and censorship during her career, Montero remained steadfast in her commitment to her beliefs and her art.
Marcelle Rogez
Marcelle Rogez (September 30, 1909 Paris-August 19, 1993) was a French actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s and appeared in over 60 films throughout her career. Rogez became well known for her roles in popular French films such as "Monsieur Vincent" (1947) and "Le Plaisir" (1952) directed by legendary filmmaker Jean Renoir. She worked alongside other notable actors of her time including Simone Signoret and Jean Gabin. In addition to her work on film, Rogez also appeared on stage and in television productions. Despite her success, Rogez remained relatively private and little is known about her personal life.
However, it is known that Marcelle Rogez was married to French actor Daniel Lecourtois and the couple had one child together. In addition to her acting career, Rogez was also a committed activist and was involved in various charitable causes throughout her life. During World War II, she was part of the French Resistance movement and even smuggled messages and supplies to the resistance fighters. Rogez was also a member of the French Communist Party and was actively involved in various progressive political movements of her time. In recognition of her contributions to French cinema, Rogez was awarded the National Order of Merit in 1979. She continued to act until the late 1980s and passed away at the age of 83.
Nane Germon
Nane Germon (June 10, 1909 Paris-March 6, 2001 Asnières-sur-Seine) also known as Germaine Hélène Nannon or Nane Gorman was a French actor.
She began her career in the 1930s in French cinema and went on to appear in over 50 films throughout her lifetime, including Jean Renoir’s La Bête Humaine (The Human Beast) and Marcel Carné’s Les Enfants Terribles (The Strange Ones). Germon was known for her versatility on screen and her ability to portray a range of characters, from dramatic roles to light comedies. In addition to her film work, she also performed in theater productions and made numerous television appearances. Later in life, Germon became a well-respected acting teacher and helped to nurture the talents of other French actors. She passed away in 2001 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy as one of France’s most celebrated actors.
Germon was born in Paris to a family of artists. Her father was a painter and her mother was a stage actor. She spent most of her childhood in her mother's theater company, watching plays and learning about acting. Inspired by her mother, Germon decided to pursue a career in acting when she was a teenager. She studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and made her debut on stage in 1927.
Germon's talent was quickly recognized, and she was soon offered parts in films. She made her screen debut in 1931, playing a minor role in the film Le Million (The Million). She went on to appear in several successful films in the 1930s, including Le Grand Jeu (The Great Game) and Pépé le Moko (Pepe the Moko), both of which were huge box office hits.
Despite her success, Germon never became a major star. She was content to play supporting roles and character parts, and she never sought the limelight. She was admired by her peers, however, for her professionalism, her talent, and her dedication to the craft of acting.
In the 1950s, Germon started teaching acting at the Conservatoire de Paris. She remained there for over 20 years, training several generations of actors, including Catherine Deneuve and Isabelle Huppert. She retired from teaching in 1978 but continued to act occasionally in films and on television.
Germon was honored with numerous awards throughout her career, including the Legion of Honor in 1990. She remained active and engaged in the world of acting until shortly before her death in 2001.
Nina Borget
Nina Borget (September 12, 1909 Nice-August 12, 1997 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Nina Micheline Accursius De Ravenne was a French actor.
She was also a dance choreographer and writer. Nina began her career in the performing arts by studying dance and drama in Paris. She was known for her performances in the cabarets of Montmartre in the 1920s and 1930s. Nina also worked with renowned choreographer Martha Graham in New York City in the 1940s, and later choreographed productions for the American Ballet Theater. In addition to her work in dance and acting, Nina wrote two autobiographical books describing her experiences in the entertainment industry. She worked for most of her life in France, but also lived and worked in the United States and Japan. She was awarded the French Order of Arts and Letters in 1989 for her contributions to the arts.
Nina Borget's career in the entertainment industry began in the early 1920s when she moved to Paris to study dance and drama. She performed in various cabarets in the Montmartre district, including the famous Le Lido. In the 1930s, Nina appeared on stage and screen in France, gaining recognition for her talent and versatility.
During World War II, Nina fled to the United States, where she worked with Martha Graham and choreographed productions for the American Ballet Theater. She also appeared in films and on television and performed on Broadway. In the 1950s, Nina returned to France and resumed her stage and screen career there.
As a writer, Nina published two autobiographical books, "Ma Vie de Danseuse" and "Miss Nina Borget." In these books, she documented her experiences in the entertainment industry and shared insights into the world of dance and theater.
Nina Borget was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, breaking down barriers for women in the performing arts. Her contributions to dance and acting, as well as her talent as a writer, continue to inspire artists today.
Mireille Balin
Mireille Balin (July 20, 1909 Monte Carlo-November 9, 1968 Clichy) a.k.a. Mireille Séverin or Blanche Mireille Césarine Balin was a French actor.
She began her career as a Garboesque beauty in French cinema during the 1930s, appearing in over 30 films. Her most famous role was in the film "Pépé le Moko" (1937) opposite Jean Gabin, which was later remade as "Algiers" in Hollywood. During World War II, she was imprisoned in a German concentration camp for her activities as a member of the French Resistance. After the war, she returned to her acting career but never regained her former popularity. She retired from acting in 1950 and lived the rest of her life in Paris.
During her career, Mireille Balin worked with some of the most renowned directors in French cinema, including Marcel Carné, Julien Duvivier, and Jean Grémillon. In addition to her work in film, she also appeared on stage and in radio dramas. Balin was known for her striking beauty, with her dark hair, deep-set eyes, and sensuous mouth. Her personal life was marked by tragedy, as she lost both of her husbands to suicide. Despite this, she remained a beloved figure in French cinema and is remembered for her captivating performances and iconic beauty.
Lyne Clevers
Lyne Clevers (October 22, 1909 Paris-November 28, 1991 Poissy) otherwise known as Céline Marie Rhalavsky or Lynne Clevers was a French actor.
Lyne Clevers began her acting career on the stage in the 1920s and made her film debut in the 1931 French film "La Chance", directed by René Guissart. Over the next three decades, she appeared in more than 60 films, often playing femme fatale and vixen roles due to her striking looks and alluring presence. Some of her notable films include "Casino de Paris" (1935), "Les Rois du sport" (1937), "La Bandera" (1935), and "L'Homme qui assassina" (1941).
In addition to her film career, Clevers was also a popular singer and recorded several songs in the 1930s, including the hit "Je suis seule ce soir" written by Paul Durand and Michel Emer. She also performed in the French version of the operetta "The Merry Widow" in 1935.
During World War II, Clevers worked with the French Resistance and was even captured and imprisoned by the Gestapo. However, she managed to escape with the help of her husband, André Brulé, who was also an actor and Resistance fighter.
After the war, Clevers continued to act in films and on stage, but gradually retired from the entertainment industry in the early 1960s. She passed away in 1991 in Poissy, France at the age of 82.
Lyne Clevers was born to a Russian father and a French mother. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother. After completing her education, Clevers joined a theater company in Paris and gained popularity for her stage performances. She was often compared to the legendary French actor Arletty due to her beauty and acting skills.
In addition to her successful career in films and theater, Clevers was also a passionate artist and writer. She authored a book of poetry titled "Livre de la Passion" (Book of Passion) in 1954, which was well received by critics.
Clevers was known for her outspoken personality and her involvement in political causes. She publicly opposed the Algerian War in the 1950s and supported the rights of women and minorities.
Despite her fame and success, Clevers lived a relatively private life and rarely gave interviews. She was married twice, first to the French actor Roger Tréville and then to André Brulé. Clevers and Brulé were both active members of the French Resistance and played important roles in the liberation of France from German occupation.
Today, Lyne Clevers is remembered as one of the most talented and iconic actors of French cinema. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and performers in France and around the world.