Catherine Hessling was an American actress best known for her roles in Nana, Little Red Riding Hood, and Whirlpool of Fate. She was born on June 22, 1900, in Moronvilliers, Marne, France, and died on September 28, 1979, in La-Celle-Saint-Cloud, Yvelines, France.
Personal and Family Life
Catherine Hessling, whose birth name was Andrée Madeleine Heuschling Hessling, was married to renowned filmmaker Jean Renoir from January 24, 1920, until their divorce in 1949. They had one child together, Alain Renoir. Catherine initially began her career as a model for the painter Auguste Renoir during the years 1917-1919, before transitioning into acting.
Career
Catherine became well-known for her acting style, which was similar to that of Charles Chaplin, earning her the nickname ‘female Charlot’. After separating from Renoir in 1930, she shifted her focus to dancing and only made a few more films before retiring from acting completely. Some of her notable films include Nana, La Petite Marchande d’allumettes, and Le Petit Chaperon rouge.
Death and Legacy
Catherine Hessling passed away on September 28, 1979. Her contributions to early cinema, particularly through her collaborations with Jean Renoir, are still remembered today. She remains a significant figure in French film history, known for her unique blend of modeling and acting talent.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| La Petite Marchande d’allumettes | 1928-06-07 | Karen |
| Nana | 1926-06-25 | Nana |
| La P’tite Lili | 1927-10-01 | |
| Sur un air de Charleston | 1927-03-19 | Parisian savage |
| La Fille de l’eau | 1925-03-20 | Virginia Rosaert |
| Die Jagd nach dem Glück | 1930-05-26 | Catherine |
| Le Petit Chaperon rouge | 1930-05-14 | Le petit chaperon rouge |
| Une vie sans joie | 1927-11-09 | Catherine Ferrand |
| Yvette | 1927-12-30 | Yvette |
| En rade | 1927-11-18 | |
| Tire au Flanc | 1928-07-18 | L’institutrice |
| Crime et Châtiment | 1935-05-17 | Elisabeth |
| Du haut en bas | 1933-12-08 | Mademoiselle Paula |
| Coralie et Cie | 1934-06-07 | |
| Encyclopédie audiovisuelle du cinéma | 1978-09-24 | Self (archive footage) |