The French actress’s many other films included ‘8 ½’, ‘Lola’ and ‘A Man and a Woman’
Anouk Aimée, a legendary French actress known for her roles in several iconic films, has passed away at the age of 92.
Aimée’s daughter, Manuela Papatakis, shared the news on Instagram, saying that her mother had passed away peacefully at her home in Paris. Manuela wrote, “With my daughter, Galaad, and my granddaughter, Mila, we are immensely saddened to announce the passing of my mother, Anouk Aimée. I was by her bedside when she left us this morning, with infinite love.”
Aimée had an illustrious career, appearing in over 70 films. She is best remembered for her roles in Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and 8½ and Claude Lelouch’s A Man and a Woman, the latter earning her a Best Actress Oscar nomination.
Born Nicole Françoise Florence Dreyfus in Paris in 1932, Aimée had a unique upbringing with a Catholic mother and a Jewish father. She converted to Judaism as an adult and had a passion for dance in her youth. During World War II, she briefly attended an English boarding school.
Her film career began at just 14 when director Henri Calef noticed her while she was walking with her mother. Aimée recounted in a 2002 Los Angeles Times interview that Calef asked her if she wanted to be in a film. She accepted, adopting the name Anouk from her character’s name in that first film, The House Under the Sea.
In 1949’s The Lovers of Verona, screenwriter Jacques Prévert suggested she adopt the surname Aimée, meaning ‘beloved.’ He believed that merely being called Anouk would not suit a matured actress.
Her breakthrough role came in 1960’s La Dolce Vita as Maddalena, a wealthy and bored heiress. Aimée credited Fellini for teaching her about acting, helping her realize the artistry involved in it. She also starred in 8½, playing the estranged wife of the fictional director Guido Anselmi. She even modified her appearance to suit the role, trimming her long eyelashes to look less alluring. This film won the Oscar for best foreign language film.
Aimée received a BAFTA for her performance in the 1961 film Lola, directed by Jacques Demy. The part was written specifically for her, and Aimée considered it a marvelous gift.
Her biggest role came in 1966’s A Man and a Woman, where she played a widow who meets a young widower at her child’s boarding school. The New York Times praised the film and her performance, stating that she was a revealed talent. The movie won an Oscar for best foreign language film, and Aimée earned a Golden Globe for her role.
Aimée reprised her role in the 1986 sequel, A Man and a Woman: 20 Years Later. She was excited to work again with the film’s team, reflecting on themes of rediscovery and acceptance. In 2019, they released a third film in the series, The Best Years of a Life.
Aimée had numerous other memorable roles, including in One Night… A Train (1968), Justine (1969), and Tragedy of a Ridiculous Man (1981). She continued acting in films like Prêt à Porter (1994) and Paris Connections (2010). Her talents were recognized with a Best Actress award at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival for A Leap in the Dark and an honorary César Award — France’s highest film honor — in 2003.
Aimée was married four times. She had her daughter, Manuela, with her second husband, Nico Papatakis. Her third husband was Pierre Barouh, and she later married British actor Albert Finney. Her marriages reflected the tumultuous yet deeply passionate nature of her personal life.
In a 2007 interview with The Guardian, Aimée addressed criticism of her career choices. She insisted she had a fulfilling career, having worked with many renowned directors. She also admitted to having turned down roles she later regretted but found satisfaction in the parts she did play.
Anouk Aimée leaves behind a legacy of elegance and talent, and she is survived by her daughter, Manuela. Her contributions to cinema will be remembered and cherished by fans and scholars alike.
