Colbert, Claudette, << kohl BEHR, kloh DEHT >> (1903-1996), was a popular American motion-picture star known for playing high-spirited, intelligent heroines in romantic comedies. Colbert won the 1934 Academy Award as best actress for her performance in It Happened One Night. The movie ranks among the greatest comedies in American film history.
Colbert appeared in about 60 motion pictures. She first gained recognition in the Biblical epic The Sign of the Cross (1932). Her success in It Happened One Night led to starring roles in several sophisticated romantic comedies, including I Met Him in Paris (1937), Tovarich (1937), Midnight (1939), The Palm Beach Story (1942), and Without Reservations (1946). Colbert also appeared in numerous dramatic films, such as Cleopatra and Imitation of Life (both 1934), Arise My Love (1940), Since You Went Away (1944), and Three Came Home (1950). Colbert’s movie career ended in the mid-1950’s. She then turned to occasional acting on the stage and on television.
Colbert was born in Paris on Sept. 13, 1903. Her real name was Claudette Chauchoin. She moved with her family to New York City as a child and made her acting debut in 1923 in a stage play. She changed her name to Colbert at this time. Colbert made her motion-picture debut in 1927 in For the Love of Mike. She died on July 30, 1996.
