Catherine Deneuve, a famous French actress, became well-known in the 1960s for her roles in films like “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” and “Repulsion.” Born into a family of actors, she starred alongside her sister Françoise Dorléac in “The Young Girls of Rochefort” before Françoise tragically died in a car crash.
Deneuve continued her successful career, earning the nickname “ice maiden” for her performances in “Repulsion” and “Belle de Jour.” Despite facing the loss of her sister, she remained a glamorous icon in the sixties, often working with director Jacques Demy.
Over her 60-year career, Deneuve appeared in more than 120 films. She highlighted the changes in the film industry, noting that roles for older actors have evolved. She believes European cinema allows for better aging compared to American cinema.
While globally popular, Deneuve primarily worked in French films, citing her close connection to French and European culture. Her limited English roles included movies like “The April Fools,” “Hustle,” “March or Die,” and “The Hunger.”
Deneuve had notable relationships, including marriages to British photographer David Bailey and Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni. Her collaboration with Gérard Depardieu in “The Last Metro” marked the beginning of 15 film projects together.
In the 1990s, Deneuve received an Oscar nomination for her role in “Indochine,” which also won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 1992. She continued acting in the 2000s, featuring in films like “Dancer in the Dark” and “Potiche.”
In 2019, while filming “Peaceful,” Deneuve had a stroke, prompting a pause in production. After recovering, she quit smoking, a habit she had since she was 16. Despite health challenges, she received a lifetime achievement award at the 2022 Venice Film Festival.
As Deneuve celebrates her 80th birthday, she remains an influential figure in the film industry. Her dedication to French cinema and her enduring talent make her a legendary presence on the screen.
