Lise Bourdin French Actress and 1950s Fashion Icon Dies at 99

Lise Bourdin, a famed French model and film actress, has died. She was 99 years old. Her family confirmed the news to Agence France-Presse.

She passed away at her home in Labastide-d’Armagnac. This was just two days before her 100th birthday. Bourdin was a celebrated face in European fashion and cinema.

From Train Station to Magazine Covers

Her discovery was a story of chance. A man spotted her at a train station. He then introduced her to a photographer.

Her career took off immediately. She quickly graced the covers of major magazines. These included Marie-Claire and Harper’s Bazaar.

Life magazine featured her in 1946. It called her a “Paris sensation.” She later noted few French women had achieved such recognition.

A Transition to the Silver Screen

Bourdin successfully moved into acting in the 1950s. Her film debut was in Les Enfants de l’amour. She soon shared the screen with major stars.

She appeared in Billy Wilder’s “Love in the Afternoon.” In it, she acted alongside Gary Cooper and Audrey Hepburn. Her other films featured Sophia Loren and Eddie Constantine.

Her acting career spanned nearly a decade. She ultimately walked away from the industry. She felt the press was unfavorable toward her.

The legacy of Lise Bourdin endures through her iconic images and film work. She remains a symbol of post-war French elegance and style. Her story is one of a unique talent who captivated two creative worlds.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: How did Lise Bourdin become a model?

A man discovered her at a train station. He introduced her to a photographer. Her first cover was published immediately after.

Q2: What was Lise Bourdin’s most famous film?

She appeared in Billy Wilder’s “Love in the Afternoon.” She played one of the women drawn to Gary Cooper’s character. The film also starred Audrey Hepburn.

Q3: Why did she stop acting?

Bourdin felt the press did not like her. She believed she would never have the career she deserved. This led her to leave the film industry.

Q4: Who was Lise Bourdin’s long-term partner?

She spent 30 years with Raymond Marcellin. He was a former French Interior Minister. Their relationship lasted until his death in 2004.

Q5: Which major magazine featured her prominently?

Life magazine featured her in a two-page spread in 1946. The publication hailed her as a “Paris sensation.” She considered this a significant career achievement.