Even as she approaches a significant milestone, the star of “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” remains true to her nature, embodying passion and independence.
Talent and Discipline
Catherine Fabien Dorleac—this was the actress’s name at birth—was born into a creative family in Paris on October 22, 1943. Both of her parents were actors: her father dubbed foreign films, while her mother performed in theater. Despite their artistic background, Maurice Dorleac and Renée Jeanne Simonot did not consider themselves part of the bohemian lifestyle. They demonstrated to their four daughters that an acting career requires discipline.
Catherine Deneuve as a child (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
All the sisters in the family followed in their parents’ footsteps, with Françoise showing the most promise. The beauty was a year older than Catherine and possessed a vibrant charisma, while the future star was known for her quietness and modesty. As a child, Catherine preferred books and drawing, and she first entered the film world “just for fun” alongside Françoise.
Catherine Deneuve with her sister Françoise (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
At the invitation of a family friend, director André Hunebelle, the sisters appeared in the film “Kittens.” At that time, 15-year-old Catherine barely had enough acting skills even for an extra role. Later, she realized that without inner substance, the most beautiful actress is merely a label.
Gains and Losses
The recognizable blonde was brought into the spotlight by the renowned director Roger Vadim. Catherine met the master at 17 and shared not only the set of “Vice and Virtue” with him. The fruits of this collaboration included roles in several films and a son, Christian.
Catherine Deneuve with Roger Vadim (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
Later, the actress met director Jacques Demy, whose romance with her led to a star-making role in the musical film “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” and the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1964.
Catherine Deneuve in the legendary film “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
A new leading role in Roman Polanski’s English-language psychological drama “Repulsion” sparked heightened interest following the tragic death of Catherine’s sister Françoise in 1967. The two sisters had previously starred together in “The Young Girls of Rochefort,” where they played sisters on screen as well. At one point, due to their shared last name, one of the sisters had to adopt the surname Deneuve. Catherine would never change it again, only elevating it: in the cult film “The Hunger” in 1983, the Oscar-winning drama “Indochine” in 1992, and the Palme d’Or-winning film “Dancer in the Dark,” among many others.
Director of Her Own Life
Catherine Deneuve’s only official marriage was to a foreigner: the fashionable British photographer David Bailey. He had no intention of leaving London, while she was filming in her native Paris. After three years, the couple realized they were living separate lives, and it made no sense to stay together any longer.
Catherine Deneuve, 1968 (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
After the divorce, Catherine quickly dove into new relationships. Her next romance was with director François Truffaut. This affair fizzled out after just two years. While flying off to shoot another film in the U.S., the actress put a decisive end to her personal life.
She opened her heart to love again upon returning home, falling for her colleague Marcello Mastroianni. The Italian “macho” gifted his partner a respectable villa on the Riviera, and in return, she delighted him with an equally extravagant present—a luxury car.
Catherine Deneuve and Marcello Mastroianni (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
This beautiful couple always attracted the attention of paparazzi, but the lovers didn’t hide from curious eyes too much. Even after giving birth to a daughter, Chiara, with Mastroianni, Catherine didn’t feel burdened by the idea of a new family.
Office Romance
Ironically, nearly all of the great seductress’s romances turned out to be workplace relationships. Deneuve never regretted her connections with the men she worked with. The only disappointment came from the handsome Alain Delon. They starred together in the film “The Cop,” and from their very first scenes, they were photographed having breakfast at Delon’s villa under the watchful eyes of reporters.
Catherine Deneuve and Alain Delon in the film “Shock,” 1982
The actor eagerly told the press that he had fallen in love. Then Catherine learned from the film crew about her partner’s arrangement with the film’s publicity managers. It turned out that the on-screen romance was intended to draw attention to the premiere. However, the actress was not informed about the agreement, and she took her revenge on the wrongdoer by sharing with the press that Delon didn’t know how to kiss.
Another workplace romance was her relationship with Gérard Depardieu. In this actor, Catherine Deneuve found not only a passionate lover but also a sensitive friend. While they drained Depardieu’s wine cellars together, the friends enjoyed a deep connection and understanding of one another. “I could only talk about feelings with him,” the actress confessed. “Depardieu opened up a side of true friendship to me, which is where love lies.”
Catherine Deneuve with Yves Saint Laurent (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
Special ties connected the actress with the famous couturier Yves Saint Laurent, as they formed a successful creative partnership: the designer created costumes for many films in which Deneuve starred, and she became the face of his fashion house.
Over the years, Deneuve requested to be addressed as “Mademoiselle,” emphasizing her free status and openness to new feelings, for which there are no age limits.