Distinguished star of the French stage, graduate from the Paris Conservatoire in 1931. Appeared for two years with the Comedie Francaise, but had to wait for theatrical recognition until 1939, when cast as Marguerite Gautier in 'La Dame aux Camelias'. Thereafter played many femmes fatale, elegant socialites and women of the world, on both stage and screen, until her retirement at the age of 85. She was awarded the Legion d'honneur in 1980.