French actresses who were born in 1916
Here are 9 famous actresses from France were born in 1916:
Denise Vernac
Denise Vernac (June 3, 1916 Les Pavillons-sous-Bois-October 31, 1984 Paris) also known as Denise Yvonne Eveillard was a French actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s and became known for her performances in films such as "Le Corbeau" (1943) and "Les Jeux Sont Faits" (1947). She also appeared in several stage productions, including plays by Jean Anouilh and Jean-Paul Sartre. Vernac was known for her distinctive voice and her ability to play a range of characters, from comic to dramatic. She continued to act in films and on stage until her death in 1984 at the age of 68.
Throughout her career, Denise Vernac received critical acclaim for her acting skills and was widely regarded as one of the most talented actors of her time. She was awarded the prestigious Molière Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the play "Monsieur de Pourceaugnac" in 1970. In addition to her work in film and theater, Vernac was also a prolific voice actress, lending her voice to several animated films and television shows. She was married to French actor Maurice Teynac, with whom she had two children. Even today, she is remembered as one of the most iconic actors in the history of French cinema.
Madeleine Robinson
Madeleine Robinson (November 5, 1916 Paris-August 1, 2004 Lausanne) also known as Madeleine Yvonne Svoboda, Madeleine Svoboda or Yvonne Madeleine Svoboda was a French actor. She had two children, Jean-François Dalban and Sophie-Julia Jaubert.
Robinson grew up in an artistic family, with her mother being a singer and her father a composer. She developed an interest in acting at a young age and attended the Conservatoire de Paris to hone her skills. She made her stage debut in the early 1930s and appeared in numerous plays throughout her career.
Robinson received critical acclaim for her performances in films such as "Les Enfants Terribles" (1950), "Le Plaisir" (1952), and "La Guerre des Boutons" (1962). She also acted in television dramas and soap operas, becoming a much-loved figure in French households.
Despite her success, Robinson remained humble and dedicated to her craft. She was known for her professionalism on set and her generosity to fellow actors. Towards the end of her career, she moved to Lausanne in Switzerland, where she passed away at the age of 87.
In addition to her successful acting career, Madeleine Robinson was also a respected voice artist. She lent her voice to numerous French-language versions of international films, including "The African Queen" (1951) and "Gone with the Wind" (1939). Robinson was nominated for a César Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1988 for her role in "Mélo". She also received the Légion d'honneur, one of the highest French distinctions, in recognition for her contribution to the arts. Robinson's legacy continues to be celebrated in France, with her performances still remembered and admired by audiences today.
Gilberte Géniat
Gilberte Géniat (February 17, 1916 Paris-June 28, 1986 Paris) also known as G. Géniat, Gilberte Geniat or Gilberte Martel de La Chesnaye was a French actor.
She started her career as a stage performer in Paris in the 1930s and later transitioned to film in the 1940s. She appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, working with renowned directors such as Louis Malle and François Truffaut.
Géniat was known for her versatility as an actor, playing a range of roles from comedic to dramatic. She often portrayed strong-willed, independent women on screen. One of her most memorable performances was in the 1963 film "Le Doulos", in which she played a tough matriarch figure.
In addition to her film work, Géniat continued to act on stage throughout her career. She was also a prolific voice actress, lending her voice to numerous French-language dubbed versions of foreign films.
Géniat received several accolades for her work as an actor, including a Best Supporting Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1975 for her performance in "Dupont Lajoie". She passed away in Paris in 1986 at the age of 70.
Despite being born into a family with no connections to the entertainment industry, Géniat showed an early interest in acting and pursued her passion despite initial objections from her parents. She joined a theater company in the 1930s and quickly gained notice for her performances. During World War II, she joined the Resistance and used her acting skills to help smuggle Allied soldiers and refugees to safety.
In the 1950s and 60s, she became a familiar face on French television, appearing in a number of popular dramas and comedies. She was also active in the theater community, appearing in productions at the Comédie-Française and other prestigious venues.
Géniat was known for her outspoken nature and her support for progressive causes, including women's rights and environmentalism. She was active in left-wing politics and was a vocal critic of the use of nuclear power.
Today, Géniat is remembered as one of France's most versatile and accomplished actors, with a career spanning over five decades. Her work continues to be celebrated by film and theater enthusiasts around the world.
Alice Sapritch
Alice Sapritch (July 29, 1916 Ortaköy, Çorum-March 24, 1990 Paris) a.k.a. Alice Sapricht or Alice Sapric was a French actor.
Alice Sapritch was born in Turkey to French parents. She relocated to France at a young age and grew up in Paris. She began her acting career in the 1940s, performing mainly in French theatre productions, before transitioning to film and television in the 1960s. She went on to become a well-known character actress in France, known for her sharp wit and distinct voice. She appeared in over 60 films and several popular TV shows, including "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" and "Palace". In addition to acting, Sapritch was also a noted voice actress, lending her unique voice to several animated films and TV shows. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1985 for her contributions to French culture.
Sapritch was famously private and rarely discussed her personal life in interviews. However, it is known that she was married twice, with both marriages ending in divorce. She did not have any children. Sapritch was renowned for her quick-witted humor and often appeared on popular French talk shows, showcasing her sharp tongue and irreverent sense of humor. She was also an accomplished linguist, speaking several languages fluently, including Turkish, English, and Spanish. Despite her success, Sapritch remained humble and grounded, and was beloved by both audiences and fellow actors alike. She died in Paris in 1990 at the age of 73, leaving behind a rich legacy in French entertainment.
Denise Clair
Denise Clair (July 8, 1916 Paris-November 16, 1970 Paris) otherwise known as Denise Couade was a French actor.
Denise Clair started her acting career in theater before transitioning to film in the 1930s. She gained popularity in French cinema during the post-war period through her roles in movies such as "Quai des Orfévres" (1947) and "La Marie du port" (1950). She also worked alongside notable directors such as Henri-Georges Clouzot and Jacques Becker. Clair's talent as an actor was particularly noted for her ability to adapt to a variety of roles, from femme fatales to vulnerable characters. Besides acting, she was also passionate about painting, and exhibited her artwork in Paris galleries. Clair passed away at the age of 54 due to cancer.
Despite her untimely death, Denise Clair left behind an impressive legacy in French cinema. She appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, including "Les Dames du Bois de Boulogne" (1945), "Les Amants de Montparnasse" (1958), and "Les Tricheurs" (1958). Her performances in these films were widely praised and she was considered one of the most versatile and talented actors of her time.
Apart from acting and painting, Denise Clair was also known for her personal life. She was married to French actor Henri-Jacques Huet from 1942 until their divorce in 1948. She later had a long-term relationship with French film director Claude Autant-Lara, with whom she worked on several films. Clair was admired for her beauty and elegance, and her personal style was a source of inspiration for many women in France during the 1950s and 60s.
In recognition of her contribution to French cinema, Denise Clair was awarded the rank of Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 1957. She remains a beloved figure in French cinema history, and her performances continue to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers alike.
Monique Mélinand
Monique Mélinand (March 9, 1916 Paris-May 16, 2012 Paris) a.k.a. Monique Marianne Gabrielle Camille Mélinand was a French actor and voice actor. She had one child, Agathe Mélinand.
Monique Mélinand started her career as an actress in 1938 and acted in over 40 films throughout her career. Some of her notable films include "Paris Frills," "Le Corbeau," "Chantons sous la pluie," and "The Day the Earth Caught Fire." She was also a prolific voice actor and gave her voice to many French dubs of foreign films including Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Apart from her work in films and dubbing, Mélinand was also a respected stage actress and performed in various plays throughout her career. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in 2007 for her contributions to French culture.
In addition to her impressive film and voiceover resume, Monique Mélinand also made notable appearances on television. She starred in several French TV series, including "La caméra explore le temps" and "La Famille Anodin." During her career, she worked alongside many iconic French actors and actresses, such as Simone Signoret, Jean Gabin, and Yves Montand. Mélinand also worked as a theatre director and founded the Centre de Formation des Journalistes (CFJ) drama school. She remained active in the entertainment industry well into her 80s and continued to perform on stage until 2004. Monique Mélinand passed away in Paris in 2012 at the age of 96, leaving behind a rich legacy in French cinema and culture.
Geneviève Morel
Geneviève Morel (March 19, 1916 Les Andelys-August 30, 1989 Clichy) a.k.a. G. Morel or Geneviève Josèphe Morel was a French actor.
She began her acting career in the 1940s and appeared in over 30 films throughout her career. Some of her notable film credits include "The Beauties of the Night" (1952), "The Lovers of Montparnasse" (1958), and "Édouard et Caroline" (1951). Morel also appeared in numerous theatre productions, and was a member of the prestigious Comédie-Française from 1964 until her retirement in 1984. In addition to her acting work, Morel also worked as a dubber, providing the voice for many foreign films and TV shows that were translated into French. She received critical acclaim for her performances and was honored with several awards throughout her career, including the National Order of Merit in 1979.
Morel was born on March 19, 1916, in Les Andelys, a small town in Normandy, France. She developed a love of acting at a young age and pursued her passion after completing her education. Morel began her acting career in the theater, where she worked for several years before transitioning to film. Her talent and versatility as an actress quickly propelled her to stardom, and she soon became one of France's most renowned performers.
Aside from her acting career, Morel was also active in supporting humanitarian and social causes. She was a staunch advocate for animal rights and was actively involved in organizations that aimed to protect animal welfare. Morel was also known for her political activism and was a supporter of left-wing causes.
Morel passed away on August 30, 1989, in Clichy, France. She has left behind a legacy as one of France's most talented and beloved actresses, and her contributions to theater and film continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Marie Susini
Marie Susini (January 18, 1916 Renno-August 22, 1993 Orbetello) a.k.a. Marie SUSINI was a French actor and screenwriter.
Throughout her career, Marie Susini appeared in over 50 films, including "L'Homme de la nuit" (1944) and "Caroline chérie" (1951). In addition to her acting work, Susini also wrote screenplays for several French films. She was known for her striking beauty and charisma on screen, earning her a dedicated fan base. Susini passed away in Orbetello, Italy at the age of 77.
Born in Corsica, Marie Susini began her acting career in the 1930s, appearing in French theatre productions before transitioning to film. She received critical acclaim for her roles in "Les Parents terribles" (1948) and "Nous irons à Monte-Carlo" (1951). Susini was also a skilled writer, penning scripts for "Mademoiselle s'amuse" (1948) and "Le Désert de Pigalle" (1958).
In the 1960s, Susini took a hiatus from acting to devote time to her family. She returned to the screen in the 1970s, appearing in French television series and a handful of films. Despite her long break, Susini's talent and beauty still captivated audiences.
Offscreen, Susini was known for her love of travel and adventure. She often explored new places and cultures, which inspired her work as a screenwriter. In her later years, she lived in Italy with her husband, Francesco Vitetta.
Marie Susini left a lasting impression on French cinema, and her work continues to be celebrated by fans and scholars alike.
Denise Bosc
Denise Bosc (July 19, 1916 Paris-March 9, 2002 Paris) also known as Marie Denise Françoise Danviolet was a French actor. Her child is called Renaud Marx.
Denise Bosc began her acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous films throughout the next few decades. She was known for her elegant and sophisticated presence on screen and often played roles that capitalized on her beauty and charm. Some of her most notable film credits include "Le Grand Jeu" (1945), "Madame et son flibustier" (1951), and "Le Bal des pompiers" (1962).
Bosc was also a stage actress and performed in several productions in the 1950s and 1960s. In addition to her acting career, she was also a talented writer and published a collection of short stories in 1987.
Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Bosc led a private life and maintained a low profile. She passed away in Paris in 2002 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as one of France's most beloved and talented actresses.
Born in Paris, Denise Bosc grew up in a family with a love for the arts. Her mother, Blanche Albane, was an operatic soprano, and her father, Albert Danviolet, was a playwright and director. Bosc's exposure to the world of theater and film from an early age sparked her interest in acting. After completing her education, she joined a theater company in Paris and began performing on stage.
In the early 1940s, Bosc made her on-screen debut in the film "Les Enfants Terribles" (1940) directed by Jean-Pierre Melville. Over the course of her career, Bosc worked with several renowned directors, including Marcel Carné, Henri-Georges Clouzot, and Jean Renoir.
Bosc is fondly remembered for her performances in the films "Le Corbeau" (1943) and "Le Plaisir" (1952), both directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot. "Le Corbeau" stirred controversy upon its release for its scathing portrayal of small-town life in France, and Bosc's nuanced performance as a nurse who becomes a victim of an anonymous letter-writer earned her critical acclaim.
In the latter part of her career, Bosc transitioned to television and appeared in several popular series, including "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" and "Navarro." However, she remained fiercely independent and continued to work selectively, prioritizing quality over quantity.
Bosc's legacy as one of the most iconic actresses of French cinema continues to endure. Her contributions to the world of film and theater have been recognized with several awards, including the Legion of Honour in 1986.