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Marie Bell

Dec 23, 1900 - Aug 14, 1985 (84 years old) in Bordeaux, Gironde, France

Marie Bell (23 December 1900 – 14 August 1985), born Marie-Jeanne Bellon-Downey, was a French tragedian, comic actor and stage director. She was the director of the Théâtre du Gymnase in Paris from 1962 onwards, and this theatre now bears her name.

Marie Bell was born on 23 December 1900 in Bègles near Bordeaux (France). With her Irish father, she spent her childhood between Bordeaux and England.

Bell was a classical actress. She also appeared in avant-garde theatre, Jean Genet in particular.

Her interpretation of the role of Phèdre is highly noted : "Voir Marie Bell dans Phèdre est une chance unique pour quiconque veut savoir ce qu'est le génie français." André Malraux

During the German Occupation of France (1940–1944), she participated in the French resistance as one of nine directors of the Front national du théâtre. She was awarded the decoration of the Légion d'honneur by President Charles de Gaulle.

Bell married Jean Chevrier, who was also an actor.

Bell died on 14 August 1985 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Hauts-de-Seine, France. She was buried alongside her husband Jean Chevrier at the Monaco Cemetery not far from Josephine Baker.

Source: Article "Marie Bell" from Wikipedia in English, licensed under CC-BY-SA 3.0.

Known For

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The Leopard
(uncredited)
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Sandra
Corinna Gilardini
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Hotel Paradiso
La Grande Antoinette
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Madame Récamier
Juliette Récamier
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Cocoanut
Caroline
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Colonel Chabert
Countess Rosine Ferraud
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Life Dances On
Christine Surgère
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Poliche
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How to Make a French Dish
Elderly Marie-Paule
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The Phantom Wagon
sœur Maria

Credits