Bonne Fete Catherine Deneuve

Her career spans 50 years now, during which time she has been a sex symbol, a respected actor, a muse, a goodwill ambassador, a 'bitch', and the emblem of her country - and often many of these at the same time.

Catherine Deneuve was born on this day in 1943 into a theatrical family; her father Maurice Dorléac and her mother Renée Deneuve were both stage and screen actors. Catherine, the third of four daughters (the others being Françoise, Sylvie, and Danielle Dorléac) made her film debut at the age of 13, although she wouldn't have her first notable role until 1963.

The following year she starred in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, which made her a star; it was followed in time by Repulsion and Belle de jour, which served to cement her reputation. In 1965, Deneuve married David Bailey, the renowned British fashion photographer.

The same year Belle de jour was released, Deneuve made the follow-up to The Umbrellas of Cherbourg - entitled The Young Girls of Rochefort - with her sister Françoise Dorléac, who died in a car crash in June 1967 shortly after filming completed.

Deneuve and Bailey split in 1972, but have remained friends; Deneuve later had two children, one with Roger Vadim, and another with Marcello Mastroianni, both of whom have gone into the family business. While continuing to act, Deneuve has also modeled, devoted herself to charity work, and been politically active.
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