Even as she approaches a significant milestone, the star of “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” remains true to her nature — passionate and independent.
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 embrace a bohemian lifestyle. They showed their four daughters that an acting career requires discipline.
Catherine Deneuve as a child (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
All the sisters followed in their parents’ footsteps, with Françoise showing the most promise. She was a year older than Catherine and had a vibrant charisma, while the future star was known for her quiet demeanor 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 the time, 15-year-old Catherine barely had the acting skills needed 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 director Roger Vadim. Catherine met Vadim at 17 and worked with him on “Vice and Virtue.” Their collaboration led to roles in several films and to the birth of a son, Christian.
Catherine Deneuve with Roger Vadim (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
Later, the actress met director Jacques Demy; their relationship led to a star-making role in the musical film “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” and to the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1964.
Catherine Deneuve in the legendary film “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
Her leading role in Roman Polanski’s English-language psychological drama “Repulsion” drew even more attention, especially after the tragic death of her 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. Because they shared the same last name, one of the sisters adopted the stage name Deneuve. Catherine kept that name and only made it more famous with films like the cult thriller “The Hunger” (1983), the Oscar-winning drama “Indochine” (1992), and the Palme d’Or-winning “Dancer in the Dark,” among many others.
Director of Her Own Life
Catherine Deneuve’s only official marriage was to British photographer David Bailey. He had no intention of leaving London, while she was working and filming in Paris. After three years the couple realized they were living separate lives and decided to part ways.
Catherine Deneuve, 1968 (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
After the divorce, Catherine moved quickly into new relationships. Her next romance was with director François Truffaut, but that affair fizzled out after two years. While flying off to shoot another film in the U.S., she decisively ended the relationship.
Back in France she opened her heart again, falling for her colleague Marcello Mastroianni. The Italian leading man gave her a villa on the Riviera, and she returned the favor with an equally extravagant gift—a luxury car.
Catherine Deneuve and Marcello Mastroianni (facebook.com/catherinedeneuvedorleac)
The couple attracted constant paparazzi attention, but they did not hide from curious eyes. After giving birth to a daughter, Chiara, with Mastroianni, Catherine did not feel weighed down by the idea of family life.
Office Romance
Ironically, many of her most famous romances started at work. Deneuve never regretted her relationships with men she collaborated with. The only real disappointment came with 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 reporters’ watchful eyes.
Catherine Deneuve and Alain Delon in the film “Shock,” 1982
Delon told the press he had fallen in love, but Catherine later learned from the film crew about an arrangement her partner had made with the movie’s publicity managers. The on-screen romance had been intended to draw attention to the premiere, and Catherine had not been informed. She responded to the stunt by telling the press that Delon didn’t know how to kiss.
Another workplace romance was her relationship with Gérard Depardieu. With him, Catherine found not only a passionate lover but also a sensitive friend. While they drained Depardieu’s wine cellars together, they shared a deep connection and mutual understanding. “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)
She also had special ties with the couturier Yves Saint Laurent: he created costumes for many of her films, and she became the face of his fashion house.
Over the years Deneuve asked to be addressed as “Mademoiselle,” a way of emphasizing her independent status and her openness to new feelings—feelings that, she feels, have no age limit.
