Catherine Deneuve, born on October 22, 1943, in Paris, is a renowned French actress with a storied career. Growing up in a family deeply involved in the performing arts—her mother, Renée Simonot, and her father, Maurice Dorléac—Deneuve and her sisters naturally gravitated toward acting.

Her breakthrough came in 1964 with Jacques Demy’s *The Umbrellas of Cherbourg*, where she captivated audiences with her role as Geneviève Emery. This role showcased her ability to merge strength with tenderness, marking the beginning of her rise to fame.

Deneuve collaborated with some of the most acclaimed directors of the 1960s and 1970s. Her film debut in Roman Polanski’s 1965 thriller *Repulsion* highlighted her versatility. In Luis Buñuel’s 1967 film *Belle de Jour*, she played Séverine, a housewife who secretly turns to prostitution, further establishing her as a major talent.

Throughout her more than 60-year career, Deneuve has delivered many memorable performances. She won her first César Award for *Le Dernier Métro* in 1980 and a second for *Indochine* in 1992. In *Indochine*, she portrayed Éliane, a French plantation owner in colonial Vietnam, demonstrating her exceptional range and emotional depth.

Even today, Deneuve remains a prominent figure in cinema. Her recent work includes the 2019 film *The Truth* by Hirokazu Kore-eda, reflecting her enduring appeal and adaptability.

Deneuve’s personal life has also garnered attention. She has been linked with notable figures such as actor Marcello Mastroianni and director Roger Vadim, with whom she has a daughter, Chiara Mastroianni. She is also recognized for her humanitarian efforts, particularly in advocating for women’s rights and free speech.