French actresses who were born in 1926
Here are 13 famous actresses from France were born in 1926:
Danièle Delorme
Danièle Delorme (October 9, 1926 Levallois-Perret-) also known as Danièle Girard, Gabrielle Danièle Marguerite Andrée Girard, Gabrielle Girard or Delorme is a French actor and film producer. She has one child, Xavier Gélin.
Danièle Delorme began her acting career in the 1940s with minor roles in French cinema. She gained recognition for her performances in films like "Le Passage du Rhin" (1960) and "La Ronde" (1950), which won the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.
In addition to her acting career, Delorme was a successful film producer, producing more than 30 films under her own company, "Les Films Copernic." Some of her notable productions include "Une Parisienne" (1957) and "Un Soir... Un Train" (1968).
Delorme was also involved in various philanthropic and cultural projects, including the establishment of the Fondation Danièle Delorme, which provides financial assistance to young actors and filmmakers.
She was married to actor Daniel Gélin from 1949 to 1955 and then to director Yves Robert from 1956 until his death in 2002. Delorme passed away on October 17, 2015, at the age of 88.
Throughout her career, Danièle Delorme had the opportunity to work with renowned directors and actors of her time, including Max Ophüls, François Truffaut, and Jean Gabin. She was also a pioneer in advocating for gender equality in the film industry, serving as the first female president of the French National Union of Film Producers. In 1995, she was awarded the Legion of Honour, the highest order of merit in France. Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in her later years, Delorme remained a prominent figure in French cinema, and her contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated to this day.
Christine Lenier
Christine Lenier (November 2, 1926 Paris-August 16, 1989 Sens) also known as Christiane Menier or Christiane Lenier was a French actor.
She began her acting career in the 1940s and became one of the most prominent actors in French cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. Lenier appeared in over 50 films throughout her career and worked alongside some of the most notable directors and actors of her time. Some of her notable film credits include "Le Plaisir" (1952), "Les Cousins" (1959), and "Au Hasard Balthazar" (1966). In addition to her film work, Lenier also appeared in numerous television productions and stage plays. She received critical acclaim and recognition for her contributions to French cinema, including winning the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1958 for her performance in "The Lovers of Montparnasse". Despite her success in the industry, Lenier lived a relatively private life and not much is known about her personal life outside of her acting career.
Lenier was born in Paris to a family with ties to the arts. Her mother was an opera singer and her father was a writer and director. Lenier's parents encouraged her to pursue a career in the arts and she began studying acting at a young age. She made her film debut in 1943 in the French film "Le Voyageur sans Bagages" and quickly gained recognition for her talent.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Lenier worked with some of the most prominent French directors, including Francois Truffaut, Jean-Pierre Melville, and Robert Bresson. She was known for her ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety and nuance, and her performances were often praised for their depth and complexity.
Despite her success on screen, Lenier remained humble and grounded. She was known for her kindness and generosity towards her fellow actors and was respected and admired by her peers. After her death in 1989, she was remembered as one of the most talented actors of her generation and a true icon of French cinema.
Judith Magre
Judith Magre (November 20, 1926 Montier-en-Der-) also known as Simonne Dupuis or Simone Chambord is a French actor.
Magre had a passion for acting from a young age and began her career on stage in the theatre. Her breakthrough role came in the 1960s with the film "The Trial" by Orson Welles, which earned her critical acclaim. She went on to star in many other movies, including "Belle de Jour" and "The Apartment". Her talent and versatility have made her a popular figure in French cinema, and she has won several awards for her work. Magre has also appeared in television series, including "La Mante" and "Les Cordier, juge et flic". Outside of acting, Magre has been actively involved in humanitarian causes, and has worked with numerous organizations to help those in need. Despite being in her nineties, Magre is still active in the entertainment industry and continues to inspire audiences with her talent and dedication.
In addition to her successful career in film and TV, Judith Magre has also made a name for herself in the theatre world. She has performed in many stage productions throughout her career, including classics such as "Hamlet" and "The Importance of Being Earnest". Magre's talent as a stage performer has earned her critical acclaim and recognition from her peers in the industry.
Furthermore, Magre is also a distinguished writer and has published several books throughout her career. Her writing explores a range of topics, from her personal experience in the entertainment industry to broader social and political issues. In 2013, she was awarded the prestigious Prix des Deux Magots literary award for her book "Mademoiselle Chat".
Despite her many accomplishments, Magre is known for her down-to-earth personality and her love for simple pleasures in life. She has often spoken about her love for nature and animals, and is an advocate for animal rights. Magre's dedication to her art, her humanitarian work, and her passion for life have made her an inspiration to many.
Magali Vendeuil
Magali Vendeuil (September 18, 1926 La Vernarède-January 12, 2009 Hauts-de-Seine) also known as Magali de Vendeuil, Magali Uremie Lucinde Pichon de Vendeuil or Magali de Vendeuil de la Comédie Française was a French actor.
Magali Vendeuil was born in a small village in the south of France and developed a love for acting at a young age. She trained at the Conservatoire de Paris and went on to become a celebrated member of the Comédie Française, one of the oldest and most prestigious theatrical institutions in the world. Vendeuil was known for her versatility as an actor and her ability to bring to life a wide range of characters on stage. She also appeared in numerous film and television productions throughout her career. In addition to her work in the performing arts, Vendeuil was highly involved in various social causes, including advocacy for women's rights and the protection of the environment. She was awarded the Legion of Honor, the highest French order of merit, for her contributions to the arts and society as a whole. Vendeuil passed away at the age of 82 after a long and illustrious career in the entertainment industry.
Throughout her career, Magali Vendeuil performed in a wide variety of plays, including classical French dramas, modern works by notable playwrights, and operettas. She was particularly well-known for her comedic roles, and was praised for her ability to bring a unique and nuanced approach to each character she portrayed. In addition to her work on stage and in film, Vendeuil was also a respected voice actor, lending her talents to a number of animated films and television programs.
Vendeuil was deeply committed to social activism throughout her life, and was actively involved in a number of organizations dedicated to environmental protection, women's empowerment, and other progressive causes. She was a staunch advocate for equal pay and opportunities for women in the entertainment industry, and was one of the founding members of a movement aimed at improving the representation of women in French cinema.
Despite her many achievements, Magali Vendeuil remained humble throughout her life, and was widely beloved by her fellow actors and audiences alike. She will be remembered as a true icon of the French theatre, and as a tireless advocate for progressive causes and social justice.
Josette Contandin
Josette Contandin (April 19, 1926 Marseille-) a.k.a. Josette Marie Contandin is a French actor.
She is better known by her stage name, Tati, and is the daughter of French actor and director Jules Berry. Tati began her acting career in the 1940s and appeared in several French films throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She is perhaps best known for her role as the character Marianne in the popular French comedy film series "Les Gendarmes de Saint-Tropez," which she appeared in alongside notable French actor Louis de Funès. Tati continued to act in films and television throughout her career, and received critical acclaim for her performance in the 1980 film "Signé Furax." She was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 2009, in recognition of her contributions to French culture.
In addition to her acting career, Tati was also a writer and director, and wrote several successful plays in the 1950s and 1960s. She made her directorial debut with the 1972 film "Rendezvous in Paris," which she also wrote and starred in. Tati was known for her comedic roles, but also demonstrated her dramatic abilities in films such as "Le Silence de la Mer" (1949) and "Tabarin" (1958). Tati was married twice, first to French actor and filmmaker Roger Vadim, and later to French producer and writer Daniel Toscan du Plantier. She passed away on November 10, 2021, at the age of 95.
Eliane Monceau
Eliane Monceau (January 26, 1926 Montceau-les-Mines-February 12, 1985 Saint-Julien-en-Genevois) also known as Eliane Marcelle Marie Antoinette Gonnand was a French actor.
She was born into a family of miners and started her career as a stage actress in the 1940s. Monceau later transitioned into film acting and made her debut in the 1950 film "Nous irons à Monte-Carlo." She went on to appear in over 60 films throughout her career, including "Le Fruit défendu" (1952), "Lola Montès" (1955), and "Razzia sur la chnouf" (1955).
Monceau was known for her talent as a character actress, often portraying strong and complex women. She worked with renowned directors such as Max Ophüls, Jacques Becker, and Luis Buñuel. Despite her success in film and theater, Monceau remained grounded and continued to appreciate her humble roots.
Monceau passed away in 1985 at the age of 59 from cancer. Her contributions to French cinema have been celebrated and her legacy has continued to inspire generations of performers.
Monceau's passion for acting began at an early age, and she began taking drama classes at the age of 17. During World War II, Monceau participated in the French Resistance and briefly went into hiding before resuming her acting career after the war. She was a versatile actress and could seamlessly adapt to different genres, ranging from drama to comedy. In 1960, she received critical acclaim for her role in the film "La Brune que voilà." In addition to her film work, Monceau also appeared on television, including the popular series "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" and "Les Enquêtes du commissaire Maigret." She was married to actor Jean Tissier from 1951 until his death in 1973. Despite facing gender discrimination in the industry, Monceau remained a trailblazer for women in acting, and her contributions to French cinema continue to be recognized to this day.
Martine Ferrière
Martine Ferrière (September 2, 1926 Ilbesheim bei Landau in der Pfalz-) a.k.a. Martine Ferrières or Claude Martine Jacquin is a French actor.
Martine Ferrière was born in Germany to a French mother and a German father. She initially studied philosophy before pursuing a career in theater. Ferrière made her acting debut on stage in 1947 and soon after began appearing in films. She has acted in more than 60 films and television shows, including "Ponette" (1996), "Les Enfants Terribles" (1950), and "Le Bal des Sérieux et des Frivoles" (1974). In addition to her work in film and theater, Ferrière has also published a number of essays and books, including "La Possibilité d'une vie" (1988). She has been recognized for her contributions to French culture with numerous awards throughout her career, including the Legion d'Honneur and the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Ferrière's acting career spans several decades and she is best known for her performances in French cinema. She worked with many prominent film directors such as Jean Cocteau, Jean-Pierre Melville, and Claude Chabrol. In Melville's film "Le Doulos" (1963), Ferrière played the role of the enigmatic Silien, a character that became one of her most memorable.
Ferrière was also a prominent figure in the feminist movement and advocated for women's rights in the arts. She was a founding member of the Groupe Femmes in 1971, which was established to give women a voice in French theater. Ferrière was also active in political and social causes, supporting the rights of refugees and participating in protests against nuclear weapons.
In addition to her acting and advocacy work, Ferrière was a respected teacher of theater and literature. She taught at the University of Paris and the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales. Ferrière passed away on November 27, 2017, at the age of 91. Despite her passing, she is remembered as one of the most talented and influential figures in French theater and film.
Arlette Poirier
Arlette Poirier (June 11, 1926 Paris-) is a French actor.
Arlette Poirier started her career as a stage actor in the 1940s, appearing in various productions in Paris. In the 1950s, she transitioned to film and appeared in several French and international productions. She is best known for her roles in films such as "Les Tricheurs" (1958), "Le Gentleman d'Epsom" (1962), and "Les Parapluies de Cherbourg" (1964). Poirier continued to act in films and on television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and is considered one of the most talented character actors in French cinema. In addition to her acting career, Poirier was also a well-respected acting coach and formed her own school of acting in Paris.
The actress Arlette Poirier was born in Paris in 1926, where she started attending acting classes as a teenager. She made her stage debut at the age of 17 and quickly established herself as a talented actor. In the 1950s, Poirier made the transition to film and became a sought-after character actor appearing in a broad range of roles. Her nuanced performances in films such as "Le Sourire" (1960) and "Le Train" (1973) cemented her reputation as a versatile and critically acclaimed actor.
Poirier's work as an acting coach was also highly regarded, and she was known for her emphasis on method acting techniques. Her book "L'Acteur face à la caméra" (1976) is still considered a seminal text for actors studying film acting. Poirier was also dedicated to promoting French cinema, and throughout her career she served on various film festival juries and was a member of the French Association of Film Critics.
Despite her success, Poirier preferred to keep a low profile and often shied away from the spotlight. She retired from acting in the 1990s and passed away in 2012. Arlette Poirier's contributions to French cinema continue to be celebrated today, and she is remembered as a pioneer of character acting and a committed coach and mentor to aspiring actors.
Micheline Boudet
Micheline Boudet (April 28, 1926 Metz-) a.k.a. Micheline Marthe Boudet is a French actor.
She began her acting career in the late 1940s and appeared in several French films and television series in the following decades. Boudet is best known for her roles in the films "Le Plaisir" (1952), "Le Triporteur" (1957), and "Les Enfants Terribles" (1950). She has also worked with well-known French directors such as Jean-Pierre Melville and Jacques Becker. In addition to her acting work, Boudet has written several novels, including "Le Garde-Manger" and "J'ai Promis de Vivre". Despite retiring from acting in the 1990s, Boudet remains a respected and admired figure in French cinema.
Boudet was born in Metz, France in 1926, and began performing at a young age in local theater productions. She moved to Paris in the early 1940s to pursue her acting career, and landed her first film role in 1948 in the movie "Cartouche, King of Paris."
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Boudet's acting career flourished. She performed in a wide range of films, including dramas, comedies, and thrillers, and worked with some of the most celebrated directors of the French New Wave. In 1958, she received critical acclaim for her performance in "Eté violent," which was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
In addition to her work in film, Boudet also appeared on French television in the 1970s and 1980s. She was a regular cast member on the popular show "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes," and also appeared in several made-for-TV movies.
In the 1990s, Boudet retired from acting, but continued to write novels and essays. Her work often explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition, and has been praised for its introspective depth and poetic language.
Throughout her long and illustrious career, Boudet has been recognized for her contributions to French film and literature. In 2002, she was awarded the prestigious Prix Goncourt de la Biographie for her memoir "Le Temps de s'attendrir." Today, she is considered a national treasure in France and a pioneer for women in the French entertainment industry.
Nathalie Nerval
Nathalie Nerval (March 28, 1926 Paris-May 7, 2012 Paris) also known as Nathalie Kobieff was a French actor.
She began her acting career in the mid-1940s, appearing in several French films such as "La Fleur de l'âge" and "Les amants de Vérone." Nathalie gained international recognition for her role as Dominique in the 1960 film "Les Bonnes Femmes," directed by Claude Chabrol.
Throughout her career, Nathalie also appeared in numerous stage productions, including plays by French playwrights Jean Cocteau and Samuel Beckett. She was known for her versatility as an actor, performing in a range of roles from tragic to comedic.
Aside from acting, Nathalie was also involved in politics, joining the Communist Party in the 1950s and remaining an active member for several decades. In addition, she was a vocal advocate for social justice causes, frequently participating in demonstrations and protests.
Nathalie retired from acting in the 1980s, but continued to make occasional appearances in films and on television. She passed away in 2012 at the age of 86.
Nathalie was born to a family of artists and intellectuals in Paris. Her mother was a painter and her father was a musician. Nathalie had a passion for the arts from a young age and began taking acting classes while still in school. After the war, she became a member of the Théâtre National Populaire and worked with several renowned directors.
Nathalie's work in film earned her critical acclaim, and she was awarded the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival for her role in the 1955 film "Elena and Her Men." She also worked with other notable French directors, including Jean-Luc Godard and Robert Bresson.
As a political activist, Nathalie was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War and supported numerous socialist and communist causes. She was arrested several times for her involvement in protests and political demonstrations.
Throughout her life, Nathalie remained committed to the arts and social justice causes. She was a cherished figure in French cinema and is remembered as a talented actor and advocate for change.
Jacqueline Noëlle
Jacqueline Noëlle (December 25, 1926 Paris-) a.k.a. Jacqueline Noëlle Larose is a French actor.
She began her career as a child star in French cinema and went on to become a popular leading lady in the 1940s and 1950s. Some of her notable films include "Les Enfants Terribles" (1950), "Le Carrosse d'Or" (1952), and "School for Love" (1955).
She was also known for her work in the theater and earned critical acclaim for her performances in productions of works by Molière, Shakespeare, and Racine.
Noëlle received several honors throughout her career, including the Legion of Honour in 2005. She remains a respected figure in French cinema and theater.
Noëlle was born in Paris and grew up in a family of artists; her father was a painter and her mother was a singer. She began acting at the age of six and made her film debut at the age of eight in the 1934 film "Les Misérables." Her natural talent and charisma led to her being cast in numerous films throughout the 1930s and 1940s.
In 1943, Noëlle met and married director Henri-Georges Clouzot, who cast her in his film "The Murderer Lives at Number 21" (1942). The couple worked together on several films, including "Le Corbeau" (1943) and "Quai des Orfèvres" (1947), before divorcing in 1953.
Noëlle was also a talented singer and recorded several songs throughout her career. She was known for her warm, sensual voice and her ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles, including jazz and chanson française.
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Noëlle was also a writer and published several novels and memoirs. Her 1968 book "Mes larmes étaient vraies" ("My Tears Were Real") detailed her struggles with alcoholism and her experiences in the entertainment industry.
Despite her success and recognition, Noëlle remained humble and dedicated to her craft throughout her life. She continued to act on stage and screen into her 80s, and she was known for her kindness and generosity toward younger actors and actresses.
Léone Nogarède
Léone Nogarède (February 10, 1926 Beuvry-) also known as Léone Laisner is a French actor. She has three children, Nathalie de La Grandville, Olivia Grandville and Camille Grandville.
Nogarède began her career in the theatre in the 1940s and later transitioned to film and television roles in the 1960s. She is best known for her work in French cinema, appearing in films such as "The 317th Platoon" (1965), "Le Grand Dadais" (1967), and "Wanted: Babysitter" (1975). She also made appearances on several popular French TV series, including "Commissaire Moulin" and "Navarro". In addition to her acting career, Nogarède was also an author, publishing several books throughout her life. She passed away on September 19, 2019 at the age of 93.
Nogarède's passion for the arts started at a young age, and she pursued theater studies at the Conservatoire de Lille. She was also a part of the French Resistance during World War II. In the 1950s, Nogarède worked as a stage actress in Paris before transitioning to film in the 1960s. She acted in over 100 films throughout her career.
Nogarède was known for her versatile acting skills and was equally adept at dramatic and comedic roles. She often played supporting characters but was able to leave a lasting impression on audiences. In addition to her work in film and TV, Nogarède also worked as a dubbing artist and lent her voice to several foreign films that were released in France.
Beyond her work in the entertainment industry, Nogarède was also an accomplished writer. She authored several books, including a memoir titled "A Cœur Perdu". Nogarède was widely respected by her peers in the film industry, and she will be remembered for her contributions to French cinema.
Michèle Philippe
Michèle Philippe (January 17, 1926 Paris-September 23, 1972 Paris) was a French actor.
She began her career in the late 1940s and acted in over 40 films throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Philippe was known for her roles in "Le Désert de Pigalle" (1958), "Du rififi chez les femmes" (1959), and "La Chasse à l'homme" (1964) among many others. Despite her successful career as an actor, Philippe struggled with personal demons and battled addiction for much of her life. She passed away in 1972 at the age of 46. Her contribution to French cinema remains noteworthy and her performances are still celebrated today.
In addition to her successful film career, Michèle Philippe was also a talented and accomplished stage actress. She performed in a number of plays throughout her career, including productions of "Les liaisons dangereuses" and "La Machine infernale". Philippe was also a noted beauty in her time and was considered one of the most glamorous actresses in French cinema. Her personal life and struggles with addiction were often the subject of tabloid gossip magazines, but she remained dedicated to her craft and continued to work despite her personal battles. Today, Michèle Philippe's legacy endures as one of the most talented and enigmatic actresses of her generation.