Héléna Manson was an American actor best known for her roles in “Le Corbeau,” “La Chambre ardente,” and “Les Misérables.” Born Elena Eugénia Manson on August 18, 1898, in Caracas, Venezuela, she had a lengthy and impactful career in theater and film.
Personal and Family Life
Héléna Manson survived a devastating earthquake in Caracas during her childhood. She moved to New York City to live with an uncle and later relocated to La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland, to stay with another relative. Passionate about acting from an early age, she trained at the Conservatoire de Genève, where she began her acting career with the renowned Pitoëff company, taking on various roles in famous stage productions.
Career Highlights
Manson had a prolific career in both theater and film. She was known for her strong supporting roles and often performed dubbing for French versions of many foreign films. Her portrayal of Marie Corbin in “Le Corbeau” remains one of her most memorable performances. Throughout her career, she participated in numerous plays, recitals, and television productions, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Death and Legacy
Héléna Manson passed away on September 15, 1994, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, where she had spent the last sixty years of her life. Her contributions to the performing arts have left a lasting legacy, particularly in French theater and cinema. Although she was not widely known to the public, her talent and reliability as a supporting actress made her a cherished figure within the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Les Misérables | 1982-10-20 | The landlady of the house Corbeau |
| La Chambre ardente | 1962-03-30 | Augusta Henderson |
| L’Assassinat du Père Noël | 1941-10-16 | Marie Coquillot |
| Le Corbeau | 1943-09-28 | Marie Corbin, l’infirmière |
| Kameradschaft | 1931-11-17 | Rose, la femme du mineur blessé |
| Madame Bovary | 1934-01-04 | Héloïse Bovary |
| Les Inconnus dans la maison | 1942-05-16 | Madame Manu |
| Le Président | 1961-03-01 | Mme Taupin |
| Toi… le venin | 1959-03-27 | Amélie |
| Adventures of Captain Fabian | 1951-10-06 | Josephine |