Jeanne Moreau
“The luminous, intelligent face of French New Wave cinema, an actress of rare depth and modernity.”
After stage work with the Comedie-Francaise, Jeanne Moreau became an international star through the French New Wave. Louis Malle's 'The Lovers' (1958) and Francois Truffaut's 'Jules and Jim' (1962) made her one of European cinema's defining actresses. Became a star in 1958.
Theatre Foundations
Born in Paris, Moreau trained for the stage and became a young star of the Comedie-Francaise. That classical grounding underpinned her later, more daring screen work.
Face of the New Wave
Collaborations with Malle, Truffaut and Bunuel made her central to the French New Wave. 'Jules and Jim' showcased the expressive, unsentimental style that defined her.
Enduring Artist
Across decades she acted for the world's leading directors, also directing and singing. Honored repeatedly in France and at Cannes, she remained an icon of European cinema until her death at 89.
Career Timeline
- 1928Born January 23 in Paris, France
- 1948Joins the Comedie-Francaise theatre
- 1958Stars in Louis Malle's 'The Lovers'
- 1958Stars in 'Elevator to the Gallows'
- 1962Stars in Truffaut's 'Jules and Jim'
- 1965Wins Cannes-recognized role in 'Diary of a Chambermaid'
- 1976Directs her first feature, 'Lumiere'
- 1992Wins Cesar Award for 'The Old Lady Who Walked in the Sea'
- 1998Receives honorary Cesar for career achievement
- 2008Awarded honorary Cannes Palme/Golden Lion-era tributes
- 2017Dies July 31 in Paris, age 89
Biggest Hits
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The Moment You Remember
Racing across a footbridge with two devoted men in Truffaut's <em>Jules and Jim</em>, Moreau's Catherine embodied the restless, intoxicating freedom that became the emblem of the French New Wave.
Portrait: Mario De Biasi (1923-2013) · Public domain (PD-Italy, 20 years after creation) · via Wikimedia Commons