Michele Morgan

Michele Morgan

Born Simone Roussel, this delicate, sophisticated, detached star of French and international films has notably large, expressive eyes. In her youth she studied acting with Rene Simon, and debuted onscreen at age 15 in a bit part. Soon Morgan progressed to lead roles, becoming the most popular actress in France. She made several films in Hollywood during World War Two but was underutilized in her roles. For her work in Jean Delannoy's La Symphonie pastorale (1946) she won the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Award. In 1969 she was named Chevalier of the Legion of Honor. From 1942-49 she was married to actor William Marshall; their son is actor Mike Marshall. She is the widow of French actor Henri Vidal, and is married to actor Gerard Oury. She authored an autobiography, Avec ses Yeux/With Those Eyes (1977). She largely retired from the screen in 1968, but has occasionally returned in both lead and cameo roles. She is also a painter, and has had several successful exhibitions in Paris. ~ All Movie Guide