Marie Bell

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
Born
Marie-Jeanne Bellon

(1900-12-23)23 December 1900
Bègles, France
Died14 August 1985(1985-08-14) (aged 84)
Resting placeMonaco Cemetery
Occupation(s)Tragedian, comic actor, stage director
SpouseJean Chevrier

Early life

Marie Bell was born on 23 December 1900 in Bègles near Bordeaux (France). With her Irish father, she spent her childhood between Bordeaux and England.

Career

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]

Personal life

Bell married Jean Chevrier, who was also an actor.[5]

Death

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.

Filmography

References

  1. "Marie Bell".
  2. "Seeing Marie Bell in Phèdre is a unique opportunity for anyone who wants to know what is the French genius." Cited in L'Avant-Scène n°342 (October 1965)
  3. Marie-Agnès Joubert, La Comédie-Française sous l’Occupation, Paris, Tallandier, 1998, p. 353.
  4. "Marie Bell".
  5. "Visite funéraire de Monaco". Amis et Passionés du Père-Lachaise. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
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