Anouk Aimée, the acclaimed French actress known for her roles in European New Wave classics such as "La Dolce Vita" and "A Man and a Woman," has died at the age of 92. The news of her passing was announced by her daughter, Manuela Papatakis, on social media. Aimée passed away at her home in Paris on Tuesday morning, surrounded by loved ones.
Aimée, born Nicole Françoise Florence Dreyfus in Paris in 1932, to actor parents, began her illustrious career in the late 1940s. She adopted the stage name Anouk Aimée, a combination given by the poet Jacques Prévert and the character she played in her first lead role in "The Lovers of Verona." Her breakthrough came in the 1960s with a series of films that solidified her place in cinema history.
Aimée's international recognition skyrocketed with her performance in Federico Fellini's 1960 film "La Dolce Vita," where she played the wealthy and liberated Maddalena. This role encapsulated the bohemian spirit of the era and paved the way for her future successes. She continued her collaboration with Fellini in "8½," where she portrayed the estranged wife of Marcello Mastroianni's character.
Her most influential role came in 1966 with Claude Lelouch's "A Man and a Woman," co-starring Jean-Louis Trintignant. The film won two Oscars, including Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Screenplay, and earned Aimée a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The romantic drama struck a major chord internationally and became a defining film of the French New Wave.
Throughout her career, Aimée worked with numerous renowned directors, including Bernardo Bertolucci, Robert Altman, and Sidney Lumet. She starred in films like "Justine," "The Appointment," and "Tragedy of a Ridiculous Man." Her versatility and talent allowed her to navigate both European and American cinema, making her a beloved figure in the film industry.
In her later years, Aimée appeared in Robert Altman's fashion comedy "Prêt-à-Porter" and reunited with Trintignant and Lelouch for sequels to "A Man and a Woman," including "A Man and a Woman: 20 Years Later" and "The Best Years of a Life," the latter being her final film released during her lifetime.
Aimée's personal life was as eventful as her career. She was married four times, including to fellow actor Albert Finney from 1970 to 1978. Her daughter, Manuela Papatakis, was born from her second marriage to Greek film director Nikos Papatakis.
Her death marks the end of an era for the cinematic world, as she was one of the last living icons from the golden age of European cinema. Aimée's contribution to film was immense, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers.
Reflecting on her career, Aimée once said, "Acting is a way of living multiple lives, of experiencing different emotions and situations that one might never encounter in real life. It's a gift to be able to portray these characters and tell these stories."
As the film industry mourns the loss of Anouk Aimée, her influence and body of work remain a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. She leaves behind a rich legacy that will be cherished and remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
