Who Is Claudette Colbert? Age, Biography and Wiki
Claudette Colbert was born on September 13, 1903, and left an indelible mark on Hollywood before her passing in 1996. A prominent American actress, she was known for her versatility, charm, and distinct voice, contributing to her rise as one of the leading actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Colbert starred in over 60 films and garnered critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1934 film, "It Happened One Night."
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1903 |
| Age | 92 Years |
| Birth Place | Saint-Mandé, France |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Barbados |
| Date of death | 30 July, 1996 |
| Died Place | Speightstown, Barbados |
Popularity
Claudette Colbert's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Claudette stood at a height of 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and weighed approximately 120 lbs (54 kg) during her peak acting days. Her graceful presence on screen was complemented by her classic Hollywood figure, which measured approximately 36-24-36, embodying the beauty standards of her time.
In 1940, Colbert was offered a seven-year contract with Paramount Pictures that would have paid her $200,000 a year; she declined the offer after learning she could command $150,000 per film as a freelance artist. She secured roles in several prestigious films and this period marked the height of her earning power.
As a supporting role, Colbert co-starred with Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy in Boom Town, released by MGM in 1940 and was the highest-grossing picture of the year in the United States. However, Colbert once often said that Arise, My Love (1940) was her favorite of all her movies. It won the Academy Award for Best Story.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Claudette Colbert was known for her private nature when it came to her personal life. Throughout her career, she was linked to various suitors, but she was married to Norman Foster from 1928 to 1935. Following her divorce, Colbert chose to keep her romantic relationships out of the spotlight and did not remarry. Despite rumors and speculations over her dating history, she maintained a level of discretion that intrigued her fans and the media alike.
Although christened "Émilie", she was called "Lily" after Jersey-born actress Lillie Langtry. Her mother had intended to name her daughter Lily, but the pastor mistakenly chose Émilie, so she was always called Lily in the family. Colbert's brother, Charles Chauchoin, was also born in the Bailiwick of Jersey.
Jeanne held various occupations, while Georges owned and managed a chain store of pastry and bonbon shops (more than eleven), and was also a major stockholder of an ink factory in which he suffered business setbacks. Colbert's grandmother Marie Loew had been to the U.S., and Georges' brother-in-law Charles Loew was living in New York City.
Marie was willing to help Georges financially, but also encouraged him to try his luck in the U.S.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her death in 1996, Claudette Colbert had an estimated net worth of around $10 million. Her successful 60-year career in film, television, and stage performances garnered a substantial income. Notably, she was one of the highest-paid actresses in the 1930s, commanding impressive salaries for her films, which contributed to her overall wealth.
Colbert was initially reluctant to appear in the screwball comedy It Happened One Night (1934). The studio agreed to pay her $50,000 for the role and guaranteed filming would be done within four weeks so she could take a planned vacation. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the film.
Career, Business and Investments
Claudette Colbert's career spanned several decades, beginning in silent films and transitioning to talkies with remarkable ease. She received critical acclaim and commercial success for her roles in films such as "Cleopatra" (1934), "The Palm Beach Story" (1942), and "Since You Went Away" (1944). Beyond acting, Colbert had an eye for business matters and made wise investments in real estate, which further contributed to her wealth.
Claudette Colbert (koʊlˈbɛər/ kohl-BAIR, born Émilie "Lily" Claudette Chauchoin (ʃoʃwɛ̃/ show-shwan); September 13, 1903 – July 30, 1996) was an American actress. Colbert began her career in Broadway productions during the late 1920s and progressed to films with the advent of talking pictures.
Initially contracted to Paramount Pictures, Colbert became one of the few major actresses of the period who worked freelance; that is to say, independently of the studio system. In 1999, the American Film Institute named Colbert the 12th-greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema.
Social Network
While Claudette Colbert's era predates modern social media, she was known to interact with her fans through fan letters and private events. Today, her legacy is preserved and discussed on various platforms dedicated to classic films and Hollywood history, attracting both old fans and new generations interested in her contribution to cinema.
Colbert won the Academy Award for Best Actress for It Happened One Night (1934), and received two other Academy Award nominations during her career. Her other notable films include Cleopatra (1934), The Palm Beach Story (1942) and Since You Went Away (1944).
Education
Claudette Colbert attended the New York School of Fine and Applied Arts, where she honed her artistic talents. Her education laid the foundation for her acting career, allowing her to seamlessly transition into the performing arts while delivering memorable performances that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Colbert studied at Washington Irving High School, which was known for its strong arts program. Her speech teacher, Alice Rostetter, encouraged her to audition for a play Rostetter had written. In 1921, Colbert made her stage debut at the Provincetown Playhouse in revivals of Rostetter's The Widow's Veil and Aria da Capo by Edna St.
Vincent Millay, at the age of 17. Her interests, though, still leaned towards painting, fashion design, and commercial art.
