Marie Laure Viole Bellon, a celebrated French thespian, was a multifaceted performer, effortlessly transitioning between the realms of stage and screen, as well as demonstrating her versatility as a playwright. Born on May 14, 1925, in the charming city of Bayonne, Bellon was the daughter of Jacques Bellon, a respected magistrate, and Denise Simone Hulmann, a renowned photographer, whose artistic influence would later shape Bellon's own creative pursuits.
Bellon's formative years in the world of theatre saw her undergo rigorous training under the watchful eyes of esteemed mentors Tania Balachova, Charles Dullin, and Julien Bertheau, laying the foundation for a future filled with promise. It was in 1945 that she took her first tentative steps onto the stage, making her debut in J. B. Priestley's thought-provoking drama "Dangerous Corner". Subsequent performances in Jules Romains' "L'An Mil" in 1947 further honed her craft, preparing her for the breakout role that would catapult her to stardom.
It was in 1949 that Bellon's talent finally received the recognition it deserved, as she brought Marie to life in Louis Daquin's poignant "Le Point du jour". This performance earned her the prestigious Prix des Jeunes comédiens, a testament to her burgeoning status as a talented young actress.
Notable French actress, Bellon, embarked on her film career in the late 1940s, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with esteemed directors Jean-Louis Barrault and Jean Vilar.
Her early cinematic triumphs were followed by appearances in two more films by the renowned director, Maurice Daquin, including the critically acclaimed "The Perfume of the Lady in Black" released in 1949 and "Maître après Dieu" in 1950.
Bellon's personal life and career were intricately intertwined with that of her sister, Yannick Bellon, who played a pivotal role in Bellon's professional journey. Yannick's films, "Quelque part quelqu'un" (1972) and "Jamais plus toujours" (1976),featured Bellon in starring roles, showcasing the sisters' unique artistic bond and mutual admiration.
Beyond her impressive acting accomplishments, Bellon made a notable impact as a playwright, crafting a diverse array of plays that garnered widespread critical acclaim.
Her repertoire of works includes the notable "Dames du jeudi", which premiered in 1976, followed by "Une absence" in 1988, and "La Chambre d'amis" in 1995.
One of her most notable creations is the play "L'Éloignement", which was first performed in 1987 and earned her the esteemed Molière prize, a testament to her exceptional skill as a playwright.
Noted French actress and writer, Jeanne Moreau Bellon, lived a life marked by significant personal relationships. Her initial marital union was with the renowned Spanish writer, Jorge Semprún Maura, in the year 1947. This union resulted in the birth of a son, Jaime Semprún. However, the couple's marriage eventually came to an end with a divorce in 1960.
Following her first divorce, Bellon entered into a second marriage with the celebrated French poet, Claude Roy, in 1962. She would spend the remainder of her life alongside this literary companion.
Jeanne Moreau Bellon's life was tragically cut short when she passed away on May 22, 1999, in the Parisian suburb of Le Kremlin-Bicêtre.
