Marie Bell | |
---|---|
Born | Marie-Jeanne Bellon-Downey 23 December 1900 Bègles, France |
Died | 14 August 1985 Neuilly-sur-Seine, Hauts-de-Seine, France | (aged 84)
Resting place | Monaco Cemetery |
Occupation(s) | Tragedian, comic actor, stage director |
Spouse | Jean Chevrier |
Marie Bell (23 December 1900 – 14 August 1985), born Marie-Jeanne Bellon-Downey, was a French tragedian, comic actor and stage director. She was the director of the Théâtre du Gymnase in Paris from 1962 onwards, and this theatre now bears her name.[1]
Marie Bell was born on 23 December 1900 in Bègles near Bordeaux (France).[citation needed] With her Irish father, she spent her childhood between Bordeaux and England.[citation needed]
Bell was a classical actress. She also appeared in avant-garde theatre, Jean Genet in particular.
Her interpretation of the role of Phèdre is highly noted : "Voir Marie Bell dans Phèdre est une chance unique pour quiconque veut savoir ce qu'est le génie français." André Malraux[2]
During the German Occupation of France (1940–1944), she participated in the French resistance as one of nine directors of the Front national du théâtre.[3] She was awarded the decoration of the Légion d'honneur by President Charles de Gaulle.[4]
Bell married Jean Chevrier, who was also an actor.[5]
Bell died on 14 August 1985 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Hauts-de-Seine, France. She was buried alongside her husband Jean Chevrier at the Monaco Cemetery[5] not far from Josephine Baker.