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===Charles K. Feldman===
===Charles K. Feldman===
In 1957, film producer [[Charles K. Feldman]] spotted Capucine while she was modeling in New York City. Feldman brought her to Hollywood to learn English and study acting under [[Gregory Ratoff]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Monush|first=Barry |title=Screen World Presents the Encyclopedia of Hollywood Film Actors: From the Silent Era to 1965|publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation|year=2003|pages=109|isbn=1-55783-551-9}}</ref><ref>Hyams, J. (1959, Jun 02). French stat capucine in first interview. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/167442212?accountid=13902</ref>
In 1957, film producer [[Charles K. Feldman]] spotted Capucine while she was modeling in New York City. Feldman put her under contract at $150 a week. He brought her to Hollywood to learn English and study acting under [[Gregory Ratoff]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Monush|first=Barry |title=Screen World Presents the Encyclopedia of Hollywood Film Actors: From the Silent Era to 1965|publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation|year=2003|pages=109|isbn=1-55783-551-9}}</ref><ref name="first">Hyams, J. (1959, Jun 02). French stat capucine in first interview. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/167442212?accountid=13902</ref>


She took the name "Capucine" sying "two nams are interesting and I hope one is interesting."<ref name="joe">A different kind of French girl Hyams, Joe. Los Angeles Times 13 Mar 1960: A11.</ref> She chose the stage name "Capucine", which was the French word for an exotic South American flower with large petals that are usually orange. <ref>DEATH Capucine Jumps to Her Death:
⚫
She was signed to a seven-year contract with [[Columbia Pictures]] in 1958. After unsuccessfully auditioning for the role of Feathers in ''[[Rio Bravo (film)|Rio Bravo]]'' (1959) she landed her first English-speaking role in the film ''[[Song Without End]]'' (1960), a biopic of [[Franz Liszt]] where Capucine played [[Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstein]]. She was nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy|Golden Globe Award]].<ref>Scheuer, P. K. (1960, May 08). CREATURE OF BEAUTY. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/167591678?accountid=13902</ref><ref>Hyams, J. (1960, Mar 13). A different kind of french girl. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/167574016?accountid=13902</ref>
Los Angeles Times 20 Mar 1990: 2. </ref>

She was signed to a seven-year contract with [[Columbia Pictures]] in 1958. After unsuccessfully auditioning for the role of Feathers in ''[[Rio Bravo (film)|Rio Bravo]]'' (1959) she landed her first English-speaking role in the film ''[[Song Without End]]'' (1960), a biopic of [[Franz Liszt]] where Capucine played [[Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstein]]. Producer [[William Goetz]] said "You can teach a girl to act but nobody can teach her how to look like a princess. You've got to start with a girl who looks like a princess." <ref name="tele">'Men look at me like I'm a suspicious trunk' By Iona McLaren The Daily Telegraph 6 Jan 2018: 8. </ref><ref name="serene">Serene Capucine: Photog's Delight
Los Angeles Times 30 July 1961: O10. </ref>

"Every time I get in front of the camera I think of it as an attractive man I am meeting for the first time," she said in 1960. "I find him demanding and aloof so I must do all I can to interest him."<ref name="joe"/>

Capucine said "I got much better as we went on," she said."As the scenes warmed up, so did I."<ref name="york"/>

⚫
She was nominated for a [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy|Golden Globe Award]].<ref>Scheuer, P. K. (1960, May 08). CREATURE OF BEAUTY. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/167591678?accountid=13902</ref><ref>Hyams, J. (1960, Mar 13). A different kind of french girl. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/167574016?accountid=13902</ref>


Capucine followed this with ''[[North to Alaska]]'' (1960), a comedy which had been set up by Feldman at [[20th Century Fox]]. She played a prostitute who becomes the love interest of [[John Wayne]]. It was successful at the box office.
Capucine followed this with ''[[North to Alaska]]'' (1960), a comedy which had been set up by Feldman at [[20th Century Fox]]. She played a prostitute who becomes the love interest of [[John Wayne]]. It was successful at the box office.
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Back in Hollywood, she was second billed in ''[[Walk on the Wild Side (film)|Walk on the Wild Side]]'' (1962), produced by Feldman, in which she portrayed a redeemed hooker. Costar Laurence Harvey complained that Feldman cut his part to build Capucine's role.<ref>Haber, J. (1973, Oct 14). Larry harvey, hollywood's favorite 'outrage'. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/157309209?accountid=13902</ref>
Back in Hollywood, she was second billed in ''[[Walk on the Wild Side (film)|Walk on the Wild Side]]'' (1962), produced by Feldman, in which she portrayed a redeemed hooker. Costar Laurence Harvey complained that Feldman cut his part to build Capucine's role.<ref>Haber, J. (1973, Oct 14). Larry harvey, hollywood's favorite 'outrage'. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/157309209?accountid=13902</ref>


She was then [[William Holden]]'s love interest in ''[[The Lion (1962 film)|The Lion]]'' (1962).
She was then [[William Holden]]'s love interest in ''[[The Lion (1962 film)|The Lion]]'' (1962). During filming Capucine began a romance with Holden which led to the end of her romantic relationship with Feldman but the producer remained loyal professionally.<ref name="vanity">The man who minted style
Biskind, Peter. Vanity Fair; New York Iss. 512, (Apr 2003): 210. </ref>


Feldman announced he would put Capucine in ''Mary Magdelene''<ref>By A.H. WEILER. (1962, Feb 04). BY WAY OF REPORT. New York Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/115808108?accountid=13902</ref> and ''Waltz of the Toreadors''<ref>Hopper, H. (1957, Jun 03). Looking at hollywood. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/180217116?accountid=13902</ref> but neither happened.
Feldman announced he would put Capucine in ''Mary Magdelene''<ref>By A.H. WEILER. (1962, Feb 04). BY WAY OF REPORT. New York Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/115808108?accountid=13902</ref> and ''Waltz of the Toreadors''<ref>Hopper, H. (1957, Jun 03). Looking at hollywood. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/180217116?accountid=13902</ref> but neither happened.
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====''The Pink Panther''====
====''The Pink Panther''====
[[File:Capucine The Pink Panther.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Capucine in ''The Pink Panther'' (1963)]]
[[File:Capucine The Pink Panther.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Capucine in ''The Pink Panther'' (1963)]]
[[Blake Edwards]] cast Capucine in ''[[The Pink Panther (1963 film)|The Pink Panther]]'' playing the wife of [[Inspector Clouseau]] who is having an affair with a jewel thief played by [[David Niven]]. It was a huge hit and led to a number of sequels.
[[Blake Edwards]] cast Capucine in ''[[The Pink Panther (1963 film)|The Pink Panther]]'' playing the wife of [[Inspector Clouseau]] who is having an affair with a jewel thief played by [[David Niven]]. It was a huge hit and led to a number of sequels. In 1964 Capucine said the directors she had learned most from were Edwards and Henry Hathaway.<ref name="image">'Panther' Capucine Not Cold Any More: French Star Corrects Image, Discusses Holden, Marriage
Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 23 Apr 1964: C9</ref>


Capucine was reunited with Holden in ''[[The 7th Dawn]]'' (1964) produced by Feldman; it was a box-office disappointment.
Capucine was reunited with Holden in ''[[The 7th Dawn]]'' (1964) produced by Feldman; it was a box-office disappointment.
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Far more successful was another film she did for Feldman, the comedy ''[[What's New Pussycat?]]'' (1965), which costarred Sellers and [[Peter O'Toole]], and was filmed entirely in France.<ref name=France>{{cite book|last=Marshall|first=Bill |author2=Johnston, Cristina|title=France and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History : A Multidisciplinary Encyclopedia|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2005|volume=3|pages=211–212|isbn=1-85109-411-3}}</ref>
Far more successful was another film she did for Feldman, the comedy ''[[What's New Pussycat?]]'' (1965), which costarred Sellers and [[Peter O'Toole]], and was filmed entirely in France.<ref name=France>{{cite book|last=Marshall|first=Bill |author2=Johnston, Cristina|title=France and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History : A Multidisciplinary Encyclopedia|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2005|volume=3|pages=211–212|isbn=1-85109-411-3}}</ref>


Capucine was one of several European stars in ''[[Sex Quartet]]'' (1966) for Columbia (originally ''The Queens''<ref>Martin, B. (1966, Jul 28). Capucine signs for 'queens'. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/155493571?accountid=13902</ref>) then Feldman put her in ''[[The Honey Pot]]'' (1967) directed by [[Joseph L. Mankiewicz]]. She was announced for Feldman's ''[[Casino Royale (1967 film)|Casino Royale]]'' but did not appear in the film.<ref>Scheuer, P. K. (1964, Apr 23). 'Panther' capucine not cold any more. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/168577070?accountid=13902</ref>
Capucine was one of several European stars in ''[[Sex Quartet]]'' (1966) for Columbia (originally ''The Queens''<ref>Martin, B. (1966, Jul 28). Capucine signs for 'queens'. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/155493571?accountid=13902</ref>) then Feldman put her in ''[[The Honey Pot]]'' (1967) directed by [[Joseph L. Mankiewicz]]. She was announced for Feldman's ''[[Casino Royale (1967 film)|Casino Royale]]'' but did not appear in the film.<ref name="image"/><ref>Capucine Cast in 'Tale of the Fox'
Martin, Betty. Los Angeles Times 15 May 1965: 23. </ref>


Feldman died in May 1968 and Capucine's career never regained its former momentum.<ref>Charles K. feldman shows independence as producer. (1967, Jul 20). Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/155747813?accountid=13902</ref> She inherited the rights to the book ''Zandy'' from his estate and sold them to the makers of ''[[Zandy's Bride]]''.<ref>Haber, J. (1973, Apr 30). O'neal's hideaway framed in irony. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/157113222?accountid=13902</ref>
Feldman died in May 1968 and Capucine's career never regained its former momentum.<ref>Charles K. feldman shows independence as producer. (1967, Jul 20). Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/155747813?accountid=13902</ref> She inherited the rights to the book ''Zandy'' from his estate and sold them to the makers of ''[[Zandy's Bride]]''.<ref>Haber, J. (1973, Apr 30). O'neal's hideaway framed in irony. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/157113222?accountid=13902</ref>


===Post-Feldman===
===Post-Feldman===
Capucine had a support role in ''[[Fräulein Doktor (film)|Fraulein Doktor]]'' (1968) and the lead in the Spanish thriller ''[[The Exquisite Cadaver]]'' (1969). She was in the supporting cast of ''[[Fellini's Satyricon]]'' (1969).
Capucine had a support role in ''[[Fräulein Doktor (film)|Fraulein Doktor]]'' (1968) and the lead in the Spanish thriller ''[[The Exquisite Cadaver]]'' (1969). She was in the supporting cast of ''[[Fellini's Satyricon]]'' (1969). Fellini said "she had a face to launch a thousand ships... but she was born too late." <ref name="tele"/>

In 1968 she told an Italian magazine she wished she didn't always have to be elegant, that she longed to play a "dishevelled woman", but "since the directors know I was a model, it is obvious that they can't see me as anything else."<ref name="tele"/>

[[Dirk Bogarde]] suggested her for the role of Tadzio's mother in ''[[Death in Venice]]'' (1971), but [[Luchino Visconti]] turned her down saying "She has a horrible voice and too many teeth. She looks like a horse, a beautiful horse, I know that, I was a trainer. I know all about horses, but I don't want a horse."<ref name="tele"/>


Capucine had a supporting role in the Western ''[[Red Sun]]'' (1971)<ref>Freudenheim, M. (1971, Aug 10). Mason snipes at hollywood. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/156815880?accountid=13902</ref> and guest starred on ''[[Search (TV series)|Search Control]]'' (1972), her first TV series.<ref>Capucine debut set. (1972, Jun 05). Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/156937456?accountid=13902</ref>
Capucine had a supporting role in the Western ''[[Red Sun]]'' (1971)<ref>Freudenheim, M. (1971, Aug 10). Mason snipes at hollywood. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/156815880?accountid=13902</ref> and guest starred on ''[[Search (TV series)|Search Control]]'' (1972), her first TV series.<ref>Capucine debut set. (1972, Jun 05). Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/156937456?accountid=13902</ref>
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===1980s===
===1980s===
Capucine was in episodes of ''[[Orient Express (TV series)|Orient Express]]'', and ''[[Hart to Hart]]''.
Capucine was in episodes of ''[[Orient Express (TV series)|Orient Express]]'', and ''[[Hart to Hart]]''.


She went to Europe to make ''[[Les invités]]'' (1982), ''[[Aphrodite (film)|Aphrodite]]'' (1982), ''[[Trail of the Pink Panther]]'' (1982), and ''[[Curse of the Pink Panther]]'' (1983).<ref>Gross, L. (1983, Aug 13). 'PINK PANTHER' NO CURSE FOR TED WASS. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/153564032?accountid=13902</ref>
She went to Europe to make ''[[Les invités]]'' (1982), ''[[Aphrodite (film)|Aphrodite]]'' (1982), ''[[Trail of the Pink Panther]]'' (1982), and ''[[Curse of the Pink Panther]]'' (1983).<ref>Gross, L. (1983, Aug 13). 'PINK PANTHER' NO CURSE FOR TED WASS. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/153564032?accountid=13902</ref>


Capucine could be seen in episodes of ''[[Série noire (1984 TV series)|Série noire]]'', ''[[Voglia di cantare]]'', ''[[Murder, She Wrote]]'', ''[[Honor Thy Father]]'', ''[[Sins (miniseries)|Sins]]'', ''[[Delirium (1987 film)|Delirium]]'' (1987), ''[[My First Forty Years]]'' (1987), ''[[Gila and Rik ]]'' (1987), ''[[Una verità come un'altra]]'' (1989), ''[[Quartier nègre]]'' (1989), ''{{ill|Blaues Blut (TV series)|fr|3=Détective Gentleman|lt=Blaues Blut}}'' (1990) and ''[[Il giudice istruttore]]''.
Capucine could be seen in episodes of ''[[Série noire (1984 TV series)|Série noire]]'', ''[[Voglia di cantare]]'', ''[[Murder, She Wrote]]'', ''[[Honor Thy Father]]'', ''[[Sins (miniseries)|Sins]]'', ''[[Delirium (1987 film)|Delirium]]'' (1987), ''[[My First Forty Years]]'' (1987), ''[[Gila and Rik ]]'' (1987), ''[[Una verità come un'altra]]'' (1989), ''[[Quartier nègre]]'' (1989), ''{{ill|Blaues Blut (TV series)|fr|3=Détective Gentleman|lt=Blaues Blut}}'' (1990) and ''[[Il giudice istruttore]]''.<ref>OBITUARY Capucine French actress starred in motion pictures of 1960s
The Globe and Mail 21 Mar 1990: A.18. </ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
She met [[Pierre Trabaud]] on the set of ''Rendez-vous'' (1949) and they married the next year. The marriage lasted only eight months, and Capucine never married again.<ref>{{cite book|last=Capua|first=Michelangelo |title=William Holden: A Biography|year=2010|publisher=McFarland|isbn=0-786-44440-1|page=123}}</ref>
She met [[Pierre Trabaud]] on the set of ''Rendez-vous'' (1949) and they married the next year. The marriage lasted only eight months, and Capucine never married again.<ref>{{cite book|last=Capua|first=Michelangelo |title=William Holden: A Biography|year=2010|publisher=McFarland|isbn=0-786-44440-1|page=123}}</ref>


She had an affair{{cn|date=February 2019}} with [[Charles K. Feldman]], who produced her films ''[[What's New Pussycat?]]'', ''[[The 7th Dawn]]'' and ''[[The Honey Pot]].''
She had an affair{{cn|date=February 2019}} with [[Charles K. Feldman]], who produced her films ''[[What's New Pussycat?]]'', ''[[The 7th Dawn]]'' and ''[[The Honey Pot]].'' This affair ended when Capucine met William Hoden but the two remained close until Feldman's death and he left her $75,000.<ref name="vanity"/>

⚫
Capucine met actor [[William Holden]] in the early 1960s. They starred in the films ''[[The Lion (film)|The Lion]]'' (1962) and ''[[The 7th Dawn]]'' (1964). Holden was married to [[Brenda Marshall]], but the two began a two-year affair. After the affair ended, she and Holden remained friends until Holden's death in 1981.<ref>{{cite book|last=Strodder|first=Chris |title=Swingin' Chicks Of the Sixties|publisher=Cedco Pub.|year=2000|pages=112|isbn=0-7683-2232-4}}</ref> When he died he left her $50,000.<ref name="york">Capucine, 57, Dies; French-Born Actress In Films of the 60's
New York Times 21 Mar 1990: D.27</ref>


She reportedly also had affairs with women.<ref name="tele"/>
⚫
Capucine met actor [[William Holden]] in the early 1960s. They starred in the films ''[[The Lion (film)|The Lion]]'' (1962) and ''[[The 7th Dawn]]'' (1964). Holden was married to [[Brenda Marshall]], but the two began a two-year affair. After the affair ended, she and Holden remained friends until Holden's death in 1981.<ref>{{cite book|last=Strodder|first=Chris |title=Swingin' Chicks Of the Sixties|publisher=Cedco Pub.|year=2000|pages=112|isbn=0-7683-2232-4}}</ref>


Capucine was one of the most exotic actresses of her era in American films, leading to a number of rumors about her. Gossip{{cn|date=February 2019}} that she was a transsexual was apparently due to some confusing her with the similarly named [[Coccinelle]], a French transgender showgirl/entertainer of the era who was occasionally written about in American magazines.
Capucine was one of the most exotic actresses of her era in American films, leading to a number of rumors about her. Gossip{{cn|date=February 2019}} that she was a transsexual was apparently due to some confusing her with the similarly named [[Coccinelle]], a French transgender showgirl/entertainer of the era who was occasionally written about in American magazines.


==Death==
==Death==
On 17 March 1990, at age 62, Capucine [[suicide|jumped to her death]] from her eighth-floor apartment in [[Lausanne]], Switzerland, where she had lived for 28 years, having reportedly suffered from illness and depression for some time.<ref name=obit /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/92626/FRENCH-ACTRESS-CAPUCINE-LEAPS-TO-HER-DEATH.html |title=FRENCH ACTRESS, CAPUCINE, LEAPS TO HER DEATH |date=March 20, 1990 |work=Deseret News |location=Salt Lake City|issn=0745-4724 }}</ref>
On 17 March 1990, at age 62, Capucine [[suicide|jumped to her death]] from her eighth-floor apartment in [[Lausanne]], Switzerland, where she had lived for 28 years, having reportedly suffered from illness and depression for some time.<ref name=obit /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/92626/FRENCH-ACTRESS-CAPUCINE-LEAPS-TO-HER-DEATH.html |title=FRENCH ACTRESS, CAPUCINE, LEAPS TO HER DEATH |date=March 20, 1990 |work=Deseret News |location=Salt Lake City|issn=0745-4724 }}</ref> The police said said an investigation left no doubt that she committed suicide. Neighbors said he had led a reclusive life with her three cats, hardly ever leaving her apartment and spending most of her time reading.<ref>CAPUCINE, 57, `PINK PANTHER' FILM ACTRESS:Sun Sentinel 21 Mar 1990: 7B. </ref>


==Selected filmography==
==Selected filmography==

Revision as of 03:19, 22 June 2019

For details of the "capucine" size of caper, see Caper § Culinary uses.
Capucine
Capucine on 25 April 1962
Born
Germaine Hélène Irène Lefebvre

(1928-01-06)6 January 1928
Saint-Raphaël, Var, France
Died17 March 1990(1990-03-17) (aged 62)
Lausanne, Switzerland
Cause of deathSuicide
Occupation(s)Model, actress
Years active1948–1990
Spouse
​
(1950⁠–⁠1950)​

Capucine (6 January 1928 – 17 March 1990)[1] was a French fashion model and actress known for her comedic roles in The Pink Panther (1963) and What's New Pussycat? (1965). She appeared in 36 films and 17 television productions between 1948 and 1990.

Early life

Capucine was born Germaine Hélène Irène Lefebvre on 6 January 1928 in Saint-Raphaël, Var, France.[1][2] She often confused the issue of her birth by claiming that she was born in 1931 or 1933, and most sources indicate those years. She attended school in Saumur, France, and attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in foreign languages.[3]

In 1945, at age 17, while riding in a carriage in Paris, Lefebvre was noticed by a commercial photographer. Adopting the name "Capucine" (French for nasturtium), she became a fashion model, working for fashion houses Givenchy and Christian Dior.[3]

Capucine met Audrey Hepburn while modeling for Givenchy in Paris. They remained close friends for the rest of Capucine's life.[4]

Career

Early films

Capucine made her film debut in Jean Cocteau's The Eagle with Two Heads (1948). She only had a small unbilled role. She also appeared in Jacques Becker's Rendezvous in July (1949) and Robert Dhéry's Crazy Show (1949).

She was in My Friend Sainfoin (1950) and Dhery's Bernard and the Lion (1951).

After a break of a few years Capuncine appeared in Mademoiselle from Paris (1955) and Frou-Frou (1955).

Charles K. Feldman

In 1957, film producer Charles K. Feldman spotted Capucine while she was modeling in New York City. Feldman put her under contract at $150 a week. He brought her to Hollywood to learn English and study acting under Gregory Ratoff.[5][6]

She took the name "Capucine" sying "two nams are interesting and I hope one is interesting."[7] She chose the stage name "Capucine", which was the French word for an exotic South American flower with large petals that are usually orange. [8]

She was signed to a seven-year contract with Columbia Pictures in 1958. After unsuccessfully auditioning for the role of Feathers in Rio Bravo (1959) she landed her first English-speaking role in the film Song Without End (1960), a biopic of Franz Liszt where Capucine played Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstein. Producer William Goetz said "You can teach a girl to act but nobody can teach her how to look like a princess. You've got to start with a girl who looks like a princess." [9][10]

"Every time I get in front of the camera I think of it as an attractive man I am meeting for the first time," she said in 1960. "I find him demanding and aloof so I must do all I can to interest him."[7]

Capucine said "I got much better as we went on," she said."As the scenes warmed up, so did I."[11]

She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.[12][13]

Capucine followed this with North to Alaska (1960), a comedy which had been set up by Feldman at 20th Century Fox. She played a prostitute who becomes the love interest of John Wayne. It was successful at the box office.

Capucine returned to Europe to co star in Le triomphe de Michel Strogoff (1961) with Curt Jurgens, a sequel to Michel Strogoff (1956).

Back in Hollywood, she was second billed in Walk on the Wild Side (1962), produced by Feldman, in which she portrayed a redeemed hooker. Costar Laurence Harvey complained that Feldman cut his part to build Capucine's role.[14]

She was then William Holden's love interest in The Lion (1962). During filming Capucine began a romance with Holden which led to the end of her romantic relationship with Feldman but the producer remained loyal professionally.[15]

Feldman announced he would put Capucine in Mary Magdelene[16] and Waltz of the Toreadors[17] but neither happened.

She moved to Switzerland in 1962.[18] She had a cameo Beach Casanova (1962) in Italy.

The Pink Panther

Capucine in The Pink Panther (1963)

Blake Edwards cast Capucine in The Pink Panther playing the wife of Inspector Clouseau who is having an affair with a jewel thief played by David Niven. It was a huge hit and led to a number of sequels. In 1964 Capucine said the directors she had learned most from were Edwards and Henry Hathaway.[19]

Capucine was reunited with Holden in The 7th Dawn (1964) produced by Feldman; it was a box-office disappointment.

Far more successful was another film she did for Feldman, the comedy What's New Pussycat? (1965), which costarred Sellers and Peter O'Toole, and was filmed entirely in France.[2]

Capucine was one of several European stars in Sex Quartet (1966) for Columbia (originally The Queens[20]) then Feldman put her in The Honey Pot (1967) directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. She was announced for Feldman's Casino Royale but did not appear in the film.[19][21]

Feldman died in May 1968 and Capucine's career never regained its former momentum.[22] She inherited the rights to the book Zandy from his estate and sold them to the makers of Zandy's Bride.[23]

Post-Feldman

Capucine had a support role in Fraulein Doktor (1968) and the lead in the Spanish thriller The Exquisite Cadaver (1969). She was in the supporting cast of Fellini's Satyricon (1969). Fellini said "she had a face to launch a thousand ships... but she was born too late." [9]

In 1968 she told an Italian magazine she wished she didn't always have to be elegant, that she longed to play a "dishevelled woman", but "since the directors know I was a model, it is obvious that they can't see me as anything else."[9]

Dirk Bogarde suggested her for the role of Tadzio's mother in Death in Venice (1971), but Luchino Visconti turned her down saying "She has a horrible voice and too many teeth. She looks like a horse, a beautiful horse, I know that, I was a trainer. I know all about horses, but I don't want a horse."[9]

Capucine had a supporting role in the Western Red Sun (1971)[24] and guest starred on Search Control (1972), her first TV series.[25]

She supported Jean Paul Belmondo in Incorrigible (1975) and Richard Burton in Jackpot, which ultimately was abandoned.

She appeared on television in Cinéma 16, and La pêche miraculeuse (1976), and had roles in The Con Artists (1976), Per amore (1976), Ecco noi per esempio... (1977), Nest of Vipers (1978), From Hell to Victory (1979), Atrocious Tales of Love and Death (1979), Neapolitan Mystery (1979), Arabian Adventure (1979), Jaguar Lives! (1979), and Martin Eden (1979).

1980s

Capucine was in episodes of Orient Express, and Hart to Hart.

She went to Europe to make Les invités (1982), Aphrodite (1982), Trail of the Pink Panther (1982), and Curse of the Pink Panther (1983).[26]

Capucine could be seen in episodes of Série noire, Voglia di cantare, Murder, She Wrote, Honor Thy Father, Sins, Delirium (1987), My First Forty Years (1987), Gila and Rik (1987), Una verità come un'altra (1989), Quartier nègre (1989), Blaues Blut [fr] (1990) and Il giudice istruttore.[27]

Personal life

She met Pierre Trabaud on the set of Rendez-vous (1949) and they married the next year. The marriage lasted only eight months, and Capucine never married again.[28]

She had an affair[citation needed] with Charles K. Feldman, who produced her films What's New Pussycat?, The 7th Dawn and The Honey Pot. This affair ended when Capucine met William Hoden but the two remained close until Feldman's death and he left her $75,000.[15]

Capucine met actor William Holden in the early 1960s. They starred in the films The Lion (1962) and The 7th Dawn (1964). Holden was married to Brenda Marshall, but the two began a two-year affair. After the affair ended, she and Holden remained friends until Holden's death in 1981.[29] When he died he left her $50,000.[11]

She reportedly also had affairs with women.[9]

Capucine was one of the most exotic actresses of her era in American films, leading to a number of rumors about her. Gossip[citation needed] that she was a transsexual was apparently due to some confusing her with the similarly named Coccinelle, a French transgender showgirl/entertainer of the era who was occasionally written about in American magazines.

Death

On 17 March 1990, at age 62, Capucine jumped to her death from her eighth-floor apartment in Lausanne, Switzerland, where she had lived for 28 years, having reportedly suffered from illness and depression for some time.[1][30] The police said said an investigation left no doubt that she committed suicide. Neighbors said he had led a reclusive life with her three cats, hardly ever leaving her apartment and spending most of her time reading.[31]

Selected filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1948 The Eagle with Two Heads La dame au buffet Uncredited
1949 Rendez-vous de juillet Une amie de Pierre Uncredited
Branquignol Une cow-girl Uncredited
1950 My Friend Sainfoin
1951 Bernard and the Lion La baronne
1955 Mademoiselle de Paris Alternative title: Mademoiselle from Paris
Frou-Frou Une amie d'Arthus, le peintre Uncredited
1960 Song Without End Princess Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstein
North to Alaska Michelle 'Angel' Bonet
1961 Le Triomphe de Michel Strogoff Tatoa, a Volskaya Alternative title: The Triumph of Michael Strogoff
1962 Walk on the Wild Side Hallie Gerard
The Lion Christine
I Don Giovanni della Costa Azzurra Alternative title: Beach Casanova
1963 The Pink Panther Simone Clouseau
1964 The 7th Dawn Dhana Mercier
1965 What's New Pussycat? Renée Lefebvre
1966 Le fate Marta (segment "Fata Marta")
1967 The Honey Pot Princess Dominique
1969 Fräulein Doktor Dr. Saforet
The Exquisite Cadaver Lucia Fonte
Fellini Satyricon Trifena
1971 Red Sun Pepita
1972 Search Silvana Tristano Episode: "The Murrow Disappearance"
1975 Incorrigible Hélène
1975 Jackpot
1976 The Con Artists Belle Duke Alternative titles: Bluff, The Con Man
Per amore Marina Reggiani, Alberto's wife
1977 Ecco noi per esempio Moglie di Click
1978 Portrait of a Bourgeoise in Black Amalia Mazzarini
1979 From Hell to Victory Nicole Levine
Neapolitan Mystery Sister Angela
Arabian Adventure Vahishta
Jaguar Lives! Zina Vanacore
1982 Hart to Hart Lily Von Borg Episode: "Hart of Diamonds"
Aphrodite Lady Suzanne Stanford
Trail of the Pink Panther Lady Simone Litton
1983 Balles perdues Madam Teufminn
Curse of the Pink Panther Lady Simone Litton
1985 Murder, She Wrote Belle Chaney Episode: "Paint Me a Murder"
1986 Sins Odile Miniseries
1987 Delirium: Photo of Gioia Flora
My First Forty Years Princess Caracciolo
1990 Blaues Blut [fr] Gräfin von Altenberg Unknown episodes

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Donnelley, Paul (2005-11-01). Fade to Black: A Book of Movie Obituaries (3 ed.). Omnibus Press. p. 236. ISBN 1-84449-430-6.
  2. ^ a b Marshall, Bill; Johnston, Cristina (2005). France and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History : A Multidisciplinary Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. ABC-CLIO. pp. 211–212. ISBN 1-85109-411-3.
  3. ^ a b Segrave, Kerry; Martin, Linda (1990). The Continental Actress: European Film Stars Of the Postwar Era--Biographies, Criticism, Filmographies, Bibliographies. McFarland. p. 155. ISBN 0-899-50510-4.
  4. ^ Paris, Barry (2002). Audrey Hepburn. Berkley Pub Group. p. 319. ISBN 0-425-18212-6.
  5. ^ Monush, Barry (2003). Screen World Presents the Encyclopedia of Hollywood Film Actors: From the Silent Era to 1965. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 109. ISBN 1-55783-551-9.
  6. ^ Hyams, J. (1959, Jun 02). French stat capucine in first interview. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/167442212?accountid=13902
  7. ^ a b A different kind of French girl Hyams, Joe. Los Angeles Times 13 Mar 1960: A11.
  8. ^ DEATH Capucine Jumps to Her Death: Los Angeles Times 20 Mar 1990: 2.
  9. ^ a b c d e 'Men look at me like I'm a suspicious trunk' By Iona McLaren The Daily Telegraph 6 Jan 2018: 8.
  10. ^ Serene Capucine: Photog's Delight Los Angeles Times 30 July 1961: O10.
  11. ^ a b Capucine, 57, Dies; French-Born Actress In Films of the 60's New York Times 21 Mar 1990: D.27
  12. ^ Scheuer, P. K. (1960, May 08). CREATURE OF BEAUTY. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/167591678?accountid=13902
  13. ^ Hyams, J. (1960, Mar 13). A different kind of french girl. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/167574016?accountid=13902
  14. ^ Haber, J. (1973, Oct 14). Larry harvey, hollywood's favorite 'outrage'. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/157309209?accountid=13902
  15. ^ a b The man who minted style Biskind, Peter. Vanity Fair; New York Iss. 512, (Apr 2003): 210.
  16. ^ By A.H. WEILER. (1962, Feb 04). BY WAY OF REPORT. New York Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/115808108?accountid=13902
  17. ^ Hopper, H. (1957, Jun 03). Looking at hollywood. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/180217116?accountid=13902
  18. ^ "Capucine Biography". Entertainment for All.
  19. ^ a b 'Panther' Capucine Not Cold Any More: French Star Corrects Image, Discusses Holden, Marriage Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times 23 Apr 1964: C9
  20. ^ Martin, B. (1966, Jul 28). Capucine signs for 'queens'. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/155493571?accountid=13902
  21. ^ Capucine Cast in 'Tale of the Fox' Martin, Betty. Los Angeles Times 15 May 1965: 23.
  22. ^ Charles K. feldman shows independence as producer. (1967, Jul 20). Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/155747813?accountid=13902
  23. ^ Haber, J. (1973, Apr 30). O'neal's hideaway framed in irony. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/157113222?accountid=13902
  24. ^ Freudenheim, M. (1971, Aug 10). Mason snipes at hollywood. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/156815880?accountid=13902
  25. ^ Capucine debut set. (1972, Jun 05). Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/156937456?accountid=13902
  26. ^ Gross, L. (1983, Aug 13). 'PINK PANTHER' NO CURSE FOR TED WASS. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/docview/153564032?accountid=13902
  27. ^ OBITUARY Capucine French actress starred in motion pictures of 1960s The Globe and Mail 21 Mar 1990: A.18.
  28. ^ Capua, Michelangelo (2010). William Holden: A Biography. McFarland. p. 123. ISBN 0-786-44440-1.
  29. ^ Strodder, Chris (2000). Swingin' Chicks Of the Sixties. Cedco Pub. p. 112. ISBN 0-7683-2232-4.
  30. ^ "FRENCH ACTRESS, CAPUCINE, LEAPS TO HER DEATH". Deseret News. Salt Lake City. March 20, 1990. ISSN 0745-4724.
  31. ^ CAPUCINE, 57, `PINK PANTHER' FILM ACTRESS:Sun Sentinel 21 Mar 1990: 7B.

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