French actresses who were born in 1914
Here are 11 famous actresses from France were born in 1914:
Marguerite Duras
Marguerite Duras (April 4, 1914 Ho Chi Minh City-March 3, 1996 Paris) also known as Marguerite Donnadieu, Ms. Duras or Marguerite Germaine Marie Donnadieu was a French writer, novelist, screenwriter, film director and actor. She had one child, Jean Mascolo.
Marguerite Duras grew up in Southeast Asia and then moved to France to study law and politics at the University of Paris. She worked as a secretary and then as a journalist before beginning her writing career. Her writing style was characterized by a spare and elliptical prose that often dealt with themes of love, loss, memory and sexuality. Some of her most famous works include "The Lover," "Moderato Cantabile," and "Hiroshima mon amour," which she wrote the screenplay for.
As a filmmaker, Duras directed several films, including "India Song" and "The Truck," which were both highly acclaimed. She also acted in a number of films, including "Hiroshima mon amour" and "Nathalie Granger."
Duras was a highly influential figure in French culture, known for her experimental and avant-garde approach to writing and film-making. She won numerous awards for her work, including the Prix Goncourt for "The Lover" in 1984. Duras continued to write and publish until her death in 1996.
In addition to her prolific career as a writer and filmmaker, Marguerite Duras was also an active member of the French Resistance during World War II. Along with her husband, Robert Antelme, she participated in underground activities and was eventually arrested and sent to a concentration camp. Her experiences during this time influenced much of her later work, including her memoir "La Douleur" (The Pain) which recounts her time in the concentration camp.
Duras was also a political activist and aligned herself with left-wing politics. She was a member of the French Communist Party for a time but later distanced herself from the party due to ideological differences.
Despite her controversial political views, Duras remained a beloved and influential figure in French culture. In addition to her numerous awards, she was also awarded the Legion of Honour, France's highest order of merit, for her contributions to literature and the arts. Today, she is remembered as one of France's most innovative and unconventional artists, whose work continues to inspire new generations of writers and filmmakers.
Odette Joyeux
Odette Joyeux (December 5, 1914 Paris-August 26, 2000 Ollioules) was a French screenwriter, actor, playwright and novelist. Her child is called Claude Brasseur.
Odette Joyeux started as an actress in the 1930s and appeared in numerous French films, including "L'Éternel Retour" (1943), which was directed by Jean Delannoy. She also starred in "Les Enfants Terribles" (1950), which was directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. In addition to her acting career, Joyeux was known for her writing. She wrote several plays, including "Women Are So Beautiful" and "The Prince of Darkness." She also wrote several novels, such as "The Lost Duchess" and "Love in the Shadows." Joyeux was married to French actor Pierre Brasseur from 1942 until their divorce in 1948. They had one son together, actor Claude Brasseur. Odette Joyeux continued to act and write throughout her life and passed away in 2000 at the age of 85.
Joyeux was born in Paris, France on December 5, 1914. Her family was well-off, which allowed her to pursue her passion for acting and writing. Her career took off in the 1930s when she landed her first acting roles in French cinema. Throughout her career, Joyeux appeared in over 30 films and wrote numerous plays and novels. In addition to her work in the arts, Joyeux was a resistance fighter during World War II. She helped Jewish people escape from France during the Nazi occupation and was recognized by the French government for her bravery.
Joyeux's legacy lives on through her works and contributions to French cinema and literature. Her son, Claude Brasseur, followed in her footsteps and became a successful actor in France. Today, she is remembered as a talented writer, actor, and strong advocate for human rights.
Josette Day
Josette Day (July 31, 1914 Paris-June 27, 1978 Paris) a.k.a. Micheline Weill Josette Day or Josette Noëlle Andrée Claire Dagory was a French actor.
She started her acting career in theatre, eventually moving on to films in the early 1930s. Her first major film role was in the 1933 film "Maria Chapdelaine", followed by a role in Jean Renoir's 1936 classic "La Grande Illusion". However, she is best known for her starring role as Belle in Jean Cocteau's 1946 film "Beauty and the Beast".
Day continued acting in films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, working with famous directors such as Henri-Georges Clouzot and Alfred Hitchcock. She also appeared on stage and television. In addition to acting, Day was also a painter and sculptor.
In her personal life, Josette Day was married three times and had one child. She passed away in Paris in 1978 at the age of 63. Her legacy lives on in her memorable performances in some of the greatest films in French cinema history.
Despite her successful acting career, Day was known for being very private and shunning publicity. She rarely gave interviews and did not attend award ceremonies. In fact, she refused to attend the premiere of "Beauty and the Beast" because she did not want to be in the public eye. Day was also known for her humanitarian work, devoting much of her time and resources to charitable causes. She was a longtime supporter of the Red Cross and worked with refugees during World War II. Additionally, Day was dedicated to promoting the arts and was involved in numerous cultural organizations. Her contributions to French cinema have been recognized with awards such as the Legion of Honor and the Order of Arts and Letters. Today, Day is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of her time and a symbol of French cinema.
Gisèle Casadesus
Gisèle Casadesus (June 14, 1914 18th arrondissement-) also known as Gisèle Casadessus, Gisele Casadesus sociétaire de la Comédie Française, Gisele Casadesus, Gisèle Tatiana Casadesus or de la Comédie Française Gisèle Casadesus is a French actor. She has four children, Jean-Claude Casadesus, Dominique Probst, Martine Pascal and Béatrice Casadesus.
Gisèle Casadesus began her career on stage and made her debut in 1934 in L'Amoureuse Aventure by André Birabeau at the Théâtre du Vieux-Colombier. She soon became a member of the prestigious Comédie Française in 1937 and remained there for over 60 years until her retirement in 2001. Casadesus is also known for her work in film and television, appearing in over 50 films throughout her career.
In addition to her acting career, Casadesus is also an accomplished pianist and has performed as a soloist with several orchestras. She comes from a family of musicians, with her father being a composer and her mother a pianist. Her son Jean-Claude Casadesus is also a conductor and her granddaughter Vanessa Wagner is a pianist.
Gisèle Casadesus has been honored with numerous awards throughout her career, including the Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit. She is considered a living legend in the French theater world and has inspired generations of actors with her talent and dedication to the craft.
In addition to her work on stage, film, and television, Gisèle Casadesus also had a successful career as a voice-over artist. She lent her voice to several animated films, including the French version of Disney's "Bambi" and "Alice in Wonderland." Casadesus was also a prolific writer, having authored several books throughout her life, including her memoir "La Vie Rêvée." Despite retiring from the Comédie Française in 2001, Casadesus remained active in the arts community and continued to perform in various plays and productions until her passing in 2017 at the age of 103. Her legacy in French theater and culture continues to be celebrated and honored to this day.
Christine Gouze-Renal
Christine Gouze-Renal (December 30, 1914 Mouchard-October 25, 2002 Neuilly-sur-Seine) also known as Christine Gouze-Rénal or Christine Gouze Renal was a French film producer, television producer and actor.
Christine Gouze-Renal started her career in the film industry as an actor, working notably with the director Jean Renoir on the film "La Marseillaise" in 1938. She then moved on to producing films, and established herself as a prominent figure in French cinema. She produced many successful films, including "Les Liaisons dangereuses" (1959), "Le Procès" (1962), and "La Vieille Dame indigne" (1965). She also produced several television series, including "Les Compagnons de Baal" (1968) and "La Brigade des maléfices" (1971-1973). Gouze-Renal was known for her commitment to promoting young talent in the industry, and for her collaborations with groundbreaking directors such as Luis Buñuel and Jean-Luc Godard. In 1978, she was awarded the title of Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in recognition of her contribution to French culture.
Later in her career, Christine Gouze-Renal co-founded the production company "Les Films Ariane" with her partner, Pierre Braunberger. The company produced many successful films, including "Le Feu follet" (1963) and "Muriel ou Le Temps d'un retour" (1963), both directed by Louis Malle. Gouze-Renal was also an early advocate for the preservation of film heritage, and was involved in the establishment of the French National Film Archive. Despite her many achievements in the film industry, Gouze-Renal remained modest and down-to-earth throughout her life. She once said, "I have always felt like a simple conductor, knowing how to conduct but not knowing how to play an instrument." She passed away in 2002, leaving behind a rich legacy in French cinema.
Geneviève de Séréville
Geneviève de Séréville (May 3, 1914 Saint-Just-en-Chaussée-July 6, 1963 Neuilly-sur-Seine) also known as Geneviève Chaplain, Geneviève de Saint Jean, Geneviève de St-Jean, Geneviève Guitry or Geneviève Marie Anaïs Ligneau Chapelain de Séréville was a French actor.
She began her career in the theatre before transitioning to film in the 1930s. She appeared in over 50 films, including "Un Certain Monsieur," "La Rue Sans Nom," and "L'Épouvantail." She was also a frequent collaborator of director Sacha Guitry, appearing in several of his films, including "Quadrille" and "Let's Make Love." De Séréville was known for her elegant and sophisticated performances onscreen, and was a popular figure in French cinema during the 1940s and 50s. Despite her success, de Séréville struggled with alcoholism and died at the age of 49 due to complications related to her addiction.
In addition to her work as an actor, Geneviève de Séréville was also a poet, painter, and sculptor. She studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where she developed a passion for the arts. Her poetry was published in several literary magazines, and she exhibited her paintings and sculptures in galleries throughout France. De Séréville was also known for her wit and charm, and was a sought-after socialite in Parisian society during the 1940s and 50s. Despite her struggles with alcoholism, she remained a beloved figure in French cinema and is remembered for her contributions to the arts.
Nicole Chollet
Nicole Chollet (October 19, 1914 Paris-October 13, 2003 Meaux) a.k.a. Nicolle Chollet, Nicole Cholet or N. Chollet was a French actor.
She began her acting career in the early 1930s and was initially known for her roles in French films such as "Le Bal" (1931) and "La Crise est finie" (1934). However, her career was interrupted during World War II when she joined the French Resistance and worked as a courier, helping to transport messages and supplies between Resistance groups.
After the war, Chollet resumed her acting career and appeared in a number of French and international films, including "Les Enfants Terribles" (1950) and "The Red and the Black" (1954). She was also a frequent presence on French television in the 1960s and 1970s.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Chollet was also a committed activist and feminist, and was involved in numerous political and social causes throughout her life. She was a founder of the feminist magazine "La Femme Libre" and was also involved in the early stages of the women's liberation movement in France.
Chollet's commitment to feminism was evident in her acting work as well, and she often took on roles that challenged traditional gender stereotypes. One of her most notable performances was in the 1967 film "La Poupée," in which she played a highly sexualized, independent woman who refused to conform to societal expectations.Chollet also worked as a voice actress, providing the French dubbing for a number of international films, including "Gone with the Wind" (1939) and "The Sound of Music" (1965).She continued acting until the early 1990s, when she retired from the industry. In recognition of her contributions to French culture, Chollet was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1998, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a French citizen.
Paulette Bouvet
Paulette Bouvet (May 18, 1914 Montpellier-September 24, 2010 Paris) was a French actor. Her child is called Jean-Christophe Bouvet.
Paulette Bouvet started her career in the entertainment industry in the 1930s, debuting with the opera comique La Traviata. She then appeared in several French films and achieved recognition for her roles in "L'Assassin habite au 21" (1942) and "Les Dames du bois de Boulogne" (1945). She was known for her effortless performances and ability to bring depth to her characters.
Apart from acting in movies, Paulette Bouvet also performed in theatres in France and abroad. One of her notable performances was in Jean Genet's "The Maids," which she performed with her friend, the legendary French actor and director, Jean Marais.
Paulette Bouvet was active in the entertainment industry until the 1970s when she retired. She lived the rest of her life in Paris, and in her later years, she focused on painting. She passed away at the age of 96 in Paris.
Paulette Bouvet's acting career spanned over four decades and included over 30 films. She often played supporting roles in comedies and dramas, portraying a wide range of characters, from a caring mother to a cunning maid. In the 1950s, she also made several appearances on French television.
Aside from her acting career, Paulette Bouvet was known for her love of painting. She held several exhibitions of her artwork in France and was a member of several art associations. She was also interested in literature and wrote a book on her experiences working in the entertainment industry, titled "Mémoires du cinéma français."
Paulette Bouvet was married twice, first to the French writer and journalist Claude Sarraute and later to the French actor Philippe Nicaud. She had one child, Jean-Christophe Bouvet, who is also an actor.
Throughout her career, Paulette Bouvet was highly respected in the French entertainment industry and was considered one of the most talented character actresses of her time. She remains a beloved figure in French cinema and is remembered for her contributions to the arts.
Françoise Lugagne
Françoise Lugagne (August 10, 1914 Marseille-May 3, 1991 Puéchabon) also known as Françoise Pauline Marguerite Marie Lugagne or Francoise Lugagne was a French actor. She had two children, Fabrice Rouleau and Philippe Rouleau.
Lugagne began her acting career in the 1930s, appearing in a number of French films. She starred in several popular films throughout her career, including "La Nuit Fantastique" and "La Belle Equipe". Lugagne was also a trained theater actress and performed in numerous productions in France. She was known for her versatility as an actress, often playing both comedic and dramatic roles. Lugagne continued to act well into her later years, appearing in films and television shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She passed away in 1991 at the age of 76.
Lugagne was born and raised in Marseille, France. She began her career in the entertainment industry in her early twenties, and appeared in a variety of French films before the outbreak of World War II. During the war, she joined the French Resistance, assisting in intelligence-gathering and helping to smuggle Jewish children out of the country. After the war, Lugagne returned to her acting career, starring in a number of films and theatrical productions.
In addition to her acting work, Lugagne was involved in several humanitarian causes throughout her life. She was a member of the French Red Cross and worked with several refugee organizations in the 1950s and 1960s. She also served as the president of the French Union of Theater Artists in the 1970s.
Lugagne was widely respected in the French entertainment community for her talent, dedication, and commitment to social justice. Today, she is remembered as a pioneering figure in French cinema and a true icon of her generation.
Santa Relli
Santa Relli (September 2, 1914 Paris-October 29, 2010 Noisy-le-Sec) otherwise known as Léona Goupil was a French actor.
She appeared in over 50 films and television series throughout her career, starting in the 1930s. One of her most acclaimed roles was in the 1960 film "Breathless" directed by Jean-Luc Godard. Relli also worked with other notable directors such as Francois Truffaut and Claude Chabrol. Besides acting, she was also a writer and published an autobiography in 1988 titled "Mémoires d'une jeune femme dérangée". Relli was awarded the Legion of Honor for her contributions to French culture in 2007, just three years before her passing.
Relli grew up in a musical family and received training as a classical pianist, but she later found her passion in acting. She made her debut in the film industry in the 1930s and continued to work steadily throughout the 40s and 50s. It wasn't until the 1960s, when she worked with Godard in "Breathless", that she gained international recognition for her work. Her performances were often praised for their subtle and nuanced approach to character.
In addition to her acting career, Relli was also politically active. She was a member of the French Resistance during World War II and later became involved in left-wing politics. She was an outspoken advocate for workers' rights and was known for her activism in the feminist movement.
Throughout her life, Relli was married several times and had one daughter. She continued to act and write until her death in 2010, and her legacy as a trailblazer for women in the film industry lives on.
Solange Varenne
Solange Varenne (May 21, 1914 Thorigny-sur-Marne-December 6, 1985 Chamonix) also known as Solange Charlotte Madeleine Varenne Caillard was a French actor.
Born in Thorigny-sur-Marne, Varenne developed a passion for acting early on in her life. She pursued her dream and soon became a very popular name in French theater and cinema. She made her acting debut in the early 1930s and went on to appear in several movies throughout her career. Varenne was particularly known for her performances in films like 'Lady Killer,' 'The Red Tavern,' and 'The Liar.' Her work on stage was equally appreciated, and she was a prominent member of the illustrious Comédie-Française theatre company. Varenne was also a part of the French Resistance during World War II, and her courageous efforts were widely recognized. After retiring from acting in the mid-1970s, Varenne lived a quiet life in Chamonix until her passing in 1985.
Varenne's contributions to French culture were widely acknowledged, and she received numerous awards and recognition for her work over the years. In 1947, she was awarded the prestigious Legion of Honor for her brave participation in the Resistance during the war. Varenne was also a recipient of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters), a French award for significant contributions to the arts and literature.
Off-screen, Varenne was an avid traveler and had a love for nature. She was a seasoned mountaineer and spent a lot of time in the mountains around Chamonix. Her love for the outdoors inspired her to create several travel documentaries which were well received by audiences. Varenne was also a writer and published several travelogues and memoirs during her lifetime.
Varenne is remembered as one of the most influential and talented actors of her time, who contributed immensely to French cinema and theater. Her legacy as a brave resistance fighter, a traveler, mountaineer, and writer lives on, and her contribution to the arts and culture of France will always be remembered.