French film icon Anouk Aimée, celebrated for her roles in “A Man and a Woman,” “La Dolce Vita,” and “Lola,” has passed away at the age of 92. Her daughter, Manuela Papatakis, confirmed the news on Instagram, stating she was by her mother’s side in Paris when Aimée died on Tuesday morning.
Aimée, born Nicole Françoise Florence Dreyfus on April 27, 1932, in Paris, was the daughter of actors Geneviève Sorya and Henry Murray. She made her film debut at 14 in “The House Under the Sea” (La maison sous la mer), adopting her character’s name, Anouk, as her own. She later added the surname “Aimée,” meaning “beloved,” to solidify her screen identity.
Renowned for her “cool, sophisticated beauty,” Aimée appeared in nearly 90 films over seven decades. Her most notable role was as Anne in “A Man and a Woman,” where she played a recent widow who falls for a widower at her daughter’s school. This performance earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, a rare feat for a non-American star in 1967. She also won a Golden Globe for the same role.
Aimée’s other significant films include Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” (1960) and “8½” (1963), as well as Jacques Demy’s “Lola” (1961). Her portrayal of complex, enigmatic characters made her a favorite among directors and audiences alike.
The international success of “A Man and a Woman” was a turning point in Aimée’s career. “When we went to the Golden Globes, I remember I saw Fred Astaire,” Aimée told The Times in 2002. “John Wayne came over to talk to me. Groucho Marx. These are people I admired when I was a kid, and here they are applauding me. I don’t understand. It’s wrong.” Despite her disbelief, she expressed profound gratitude for her reception in the United States.
Aimée was married four times. Her first marriage was to Edouard Zimmermann from 1949 to 1950. She then married film writer and director Nikos Papatakis, with whom she had her daughter Manuela, from 1951 to 1954. Her third husband was Pierre Barouh, who played her deceased husband in “A Man and a Woman,” from 1966 to 1969. Her final marriage was to British actor Albert Finney from 1970 to 1978. Finney passed away in 2019, Papatakis in 2010, and Barouh in 2016.
Aimée is survived by her daughter Manuela, granddaughter Galaad, and great-granddaughter Mila. Her legacy in the film industry remains unparalleled, with her performances continuing to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati paid tribute to Aimée, stating, “We bid farewell to a world-famous icon, to a great actress of French cinema who took on roles for some of the biggest names, such as Jacques Demy, Lelouch, and Federico Fellini.”
Aimée’s career spanned from her early teens to her late 80s, with her last film being Charlotte de Turckheim’s “Mince alors!” in 2012. She received numerous accolades throughout her career, including an Honorary César at France’s César Awards in 2002, an Honorary Golden Berlin Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 2003, and the Silver Medallion Award at Telluride in 2009.
Her influence extended beyond French cinema, making significant contributions to Italian and international films. Aimée’s roles in Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” and “8½” are particularly noteworthy, showcasing her ability to portray complex, multifaceted characters.
In “La Dolce Vita,” Aimée played Maddalena, a wealthy, liberated woman who picks up reporter Marcello Mastroianni in a nightclub. Her performance in this film epitomized the bohemian sexuality of the 1960s. In “8½,” she portrayed Luisa, the estranged wife of Mastroianni’s character, further cementing her status as a leading actress of her time.
Aimée’s role in “Lola” as a showgirl who is the object of several men’s romantic interests also stands out. Her ability to convey vulnerability and strength made her a beloved figure in the film industry.
Her collaboration with Claude Lelouch in “A Man and a Woman” was a defining moment in her career. The film’s success led to two follow-ups, “A Man and a Woman: 20 Years Later” in 1986 and “The Best Years of a Life” in 2019, the latter being Aimée and Trintignant’s final films released in their lifetimes.
Aimée’s impact on cinema is immeasurable. Her performances continue to resonate with audiences, and her legacy as a trailblazing actress will endure for generations to come.
