10 fun and interesting Catherine Deneuve facts

1. French Icon Born in '43

Catherine Deneuve, the iconic French actress, was born in Paris in 1943 to two French actors. Her parents had both worked in the theatre and in film, giving her an early introduction to the world of acting. Growing up in a family of actors, it's no surprise that Deneuve went on to become one of the most celebrated French actresses of all time, with a career spanning over five decades.

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2. A Career in Acting

At the tender age of eleven, Catherine Deneuve made her debut into the world of acting with the 1957 movie “Les Collegiennes”. This was the start of a long and successful career for the French actress, who has since gone on to star in over 100 films, including the iconic 1966 film “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”, for which she won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress.

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3. Catherine Deneuve Soars in '63 with 'Cherbourg'

Catherine Deneuve's career skyrocketed in 1963 with the release of her first major success, Les Parapluies de Cherbourg. The movie was a critical and commercial hit, and it made Deneuve a household name. Her performance in the film earned her widespread recognition and appreciation, and she quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in French cinema.

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4. Stardom Launched in '65 with "Repulsion"

Catherine Deneuve's career was launched to stardom with her role in the 1965 movie “Repulsion”, directed by the celebrated Roman Polanski. This was just the beginning of her fruitful movie career, which has spanned over five decades and included roles in films such as “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”, “Belle de Jour”, and “Indochine”, for which she won the Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

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5. Europe's Star Actress

Catherine Deneuve, the French actress and model, was a major star in the 1960s and '70s, but she chose to focus her attention on European films rather than Hollywood. During this time, she only appeared in two Hollywood movies, preferring to devote her time to the European film industry. Her decision paid off, as she has since become one of the most iconic and beloved French actresses of all time.

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6. Catherine Deneuve Wants to Work with Alfred Hitchcock

Before his death, Alfred Hitchcock had expressed his desire to collaborate with the iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve on a movie project. Unfortunately, the project never came to fruition due to Hitchcock's untimely passing, leaving fans of both the director and actress to wonder what could have been.

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7. Iconic French Actress

Catherine Deneuve is an iconic French actress who has starred in many memorable films, including the 1983 classic, The Hunger. In this film, she worked alongside the legendary David Bowie and had a highly memorable sex scene with Susan Sarandon. This scene has become iconic in its own right, and is still talked about today.

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8. Hollywood's Old Guard

In 2001, Catherine Deneuve starred in the Hollywood action-adventure movie "The Musketeer", playing the role of Queen Anne. The following year, she appeared in the French comedy-drama "8 Women", in which she portrayed the character of Gaby. Both films were well-received by critics and audiences alike, with "The Musketeer" grossing over $50 million worldwide and "8 Women" winning the César Award for Best Costume Design.

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9. Catherine Deneuve in Oscar-Nominated "Persepolis"

Catherine Deneuve's voice talents were featured in the Academy Award nominated movie "Persepolis", which has been widely praised by both critics and audiences alike. The movie, which tells the story of a young girl's coming-of-age in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, has been hailed as a fantastic work of art, and Deneuve's voice acting has been credited as a major factor in its success.

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10. Catherine Deneuve and Chiara Mastroianni star in new film

Catherine Deneuve and her daughter Chiara Mastroianni starred together in the 2011 French romantic comedy-drama film, “Les Bien-aimes”. This marked the first time the mother-daughter duo had ever shared the screen, and the film was a critical success, receiving numerous awards and nominations. The film follows the story of two sisters, played by Deneuve and Mastroianni, as they navigate the complexities of life and love. It was a unique opportunity for the two to work together, and the film was a testament to their undeniable chemistry.