Colbert, Claudette

Colbert, Claudette

(klōdĕt` kôlbĕr`), 1903–96, American movie actress, b. Paris as Lily Chauchoin. Known for her rosy cheeks, velvet voice, hearty laugh, and curly bangs, Colbert distinguished herself in a series of sophisticated comedies and became one of Hollywood's best-paid movie stars. She also brought a sensuousness to the title role in Cleopatra (1934) and a warm touch to other dramas, in which she often portrayed a forebearing mother. Her other films include her best-known comedy, It Happened One Night (1934), Private Worlds (1935), Since You Went Away (1944), and Parrish (1961). Colbert also appeared on the stage and in a television movie, The Two Mrs. Grenvilles (1986).

Colbert, Claudette (b. Claudette Lily Chauchoin)

(1905– ) movie/stage actress; born in Paris, France. Immigrating to New York City at age six, she studied to become a fashion designer but ended up acting on Broadway in 1923. Her screen debut came in For the Love of Mike (1927) and she went on to star in movies in many genres, reaching her peak in the sophisticated comedy, It Happened One Night (1934), for which she won the Academy Award for best actress. When she was no longer offered film roles to her taste, she returned to Broadway and starred in several popular plays.