Claudette Colbert was an American actress who is best known for It Happened One Night, Cleopatra, and The Palm Beach Story.
Personal and Family Life
Claudette Colbert was born Emilie Claudette Chauchoin on September 13, 1903, in Saint-Mandé, France. She moved to the United States with her family when she was three years old. Her father ran a bakery, and Claudette dreamed of performing on Broadway. After studying at the Art Students League and working at a dress shop, she made her Broadway debut in 1923.
Career Highlights
Colbert’s career began in Broadway, but she transitioned to film during the Great Depression when theater opportunities dwindled. Despite a rocky start with her first movie, she soon found success in films like The Lady Lies and It Happened One Night, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Colbert became one of Hollywood’s top box office stars, appearing in many popular films and showcasing her talent across genres.
Death and Legacy
Claudette Colbert passed away on July 30, 1996, in Speightstown, Barbados, after suffering from several strokes. She lived to be 92 years old. Colbert left behind a remarkable legacy as one of the brightest stars of early Hollywood, known for her charm, versatility, and unforgettable performances.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| It Happened One Night | 1934-02-22 | Ellie Andrews |
| Let’s Make It Legal | 1951-10-31 | Miriam Halsworth |
| The Smiling Lieutenant | 1931-08-01 | Franzi |
| Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife | 1938-03-25 | Nicole De Loiselle |
| Midnight | 1939-03-24 | Eve Peabody |
| No Time for Love | 1943-01-01 | Katherine Grant |
| The Palm Beach Story | 1942-08-28 | Geraldine ‘Gerry’ Jeffers |
| Parrish | 1961-05-04 | Ellen McLean |
| Since You Went Away | 1944-06-30 | Mrs. Anne Hilton |
| The Lady Lies | 1929-09-21 | Joyce Roamer |