Jeanne Moreau Biography

Fast Facts

• Became the first woman to hold a seat in the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 2000
• Founded the Equinoxe Association, a program which pairs young screenwriters with industry mentors
• Orson Welles once claimed that she was "the greatest actress in the world․"
• Given an honorary doctorate from the University of Lancaster in 1994
• Began studying acting at the Conservatoire de Paris after attending a performance Jean Anouilh's "Antigone" and deciding she wanted to be an actress
• Quote: "(On taking care of oneself): "Do it for self-respect․ It's an incredible gift, the energy of life․ You don't have to be a wreck․ You don't have to be sick․ One's aim in life should be to die in good health․ Just like a candle that burns out․""
• Quote: "I hate statements in films․ I hope I never make one, except an emotional statement, where the audience will feel as I feel․"
• Quote: "(On nostalgia): "The life you had is nothing․ It is the life you have that is important․""
• Quote: "(On preparing for a character): "You prepare your suitcase - meaning the costumes of biography․․․if you have your suitcase, with all your things, bits and pieces, shoes, skirts, coat, cold, rain, heat, happiness, pain, whatever, you're ready․""
• Best known for playing passionate, willful, emotionally unstable characters