The Life and Legacy of Danielle Darrieux, French Film Legend

Danielle Darrieux was a renowned French actress whose career spanned more than eight decades, with notable roles in film, theater and television. Born on May 1, 1917, she enchanted generations with her elegance, versatility and talent, starring in films such as Madame de… (1953) and Gold and Ashes (1936). Considered one of the greatest stars of French cinema, Darrieux worked with renowned directors and consolidated her name as an icon of the seventh art. Danielle Darrieux worked with several prominent directors such as Max Ophüls, Jacques Demy and Joseph L. Mankiewicz, among others. Her career began when she starred in Le bal (1931), by Wilhelm Thiele. At the time, she was 14 years old but caught everyone’s attention. So much so that she was invited to work in Hollywood. Since then, she has been credited in more than 140 productions in an 80-year career. Among the most famous are the recent 8 Women (in which she starred alongside Catherine Deneuve, Fanny Ardant and other stars), Forbidden Desires (made in 1953 and in which she starred alongside Vittorio de Sica) and Mayerling (made in 1936 and in which she starred alongside Charles Boyer).

Her perfect features were striking and photographed very well in both color and black and white. The actress could play everything from young girls to rough or strong women. One of her films that most attracts attention is the one I mentioned, Mayerling (1936), which I will be writing about in the next few days.

Danielle was married three times: to Henri Decoin (1935 – 1941), Porfirio Rubirosa (1942 – 1947) and Georges Mitsinkidès (1948 – 1991, his death).

The legendary French actress worked until the end of her life. French actress Danielle Darrieux passed away on October 17, 2017, at the age of 100. She had one of the longest careers in cinema history, with over 80 years of acting.

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Carla Marinho Leal

Writer, traveler and above all, curious about many subjects. She has studied cinema since 2002 and is a Specialist in Cinematographic Studies from UNICAP. Founder of the blog Purviance and the website Cinemaclássico. She loves Charles Chaplin, Raj Kapoor and constantly browses films from all over the world.

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