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Marie Bell (23 December 1900 – 14 August 1985), born Marie-Jeanne Bellon-Downey,[1] 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.[2]

Marie Bell
Born
Marie-Jeanne Bellon-Downey

(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

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

Career

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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[3]

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.[4] She was awarded the decoration of the Légion d'honneur by President Charles de Gaulle.[5]

Personal life

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Bell married Jean Chevrier, who was also an actor.[6]

Death

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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[6] not far from Josephine Baker.

Filmography

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References

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  1. ^ Dictionary of Pseudonyms: 13,000 Assumed Names and Their Origins (Fifth ed.). Jefferson and London: McFarland and Company. 2010. p. 55. ISBN 978-0-7864-4373-4.
  2. ^ "Marie Bell".
  3. ^ "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)
  4. ^ Marie-Agnès Joubert, La Comédie-Française sous l’Occupation, Paris, Tallandier, 1998, p. 353.
  5. ^ "Marie Bell".
  6. ^ a b "Visite funéraire de Monaco". Amis et Passionés du Père-Lachaise. Retrieved 26 December 2015.
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