Simone Simon, a petite and fiery-tempered actress, was born in France, but spent a significant portion of her early childhood in Madagascar, where her father managed a graphite mine. Her family's nomadic lifestyle, moving from city to city, including Berlin, Budapest, and Turin, before finally settling in Paris in 1930, had a profound impact on her education and upbringing.
Before pursuing a career in film, Simone started as a dress designer, fashion model, and occasional performer in stage musicals. Her big break came when she met director Marc Allégret, who took her under his wing and helped her secure her film debut in 1931.
Simone's early success was marked by her co-starring role alongside Jean Gabin in Jean Renoir's "The Human Beast" (1938),a film that showcased her talent and versatility as an actress. Her subsequent move to Hollywood in 1936, where she was signed to a contract with 20th Century Fox, was met with high expectations, particularly given her continental allure and "sexy pout." However, she struggled with her limited English and singing skills, which led to frustration and disappointment with the roles she was given.
Despite her initial struggles in Hollywood, Simone's best work was yet to come. She starred in William Dieterle's "The Devil and Daniel Webster" (1941) as Belle, the devil's handmaiden, and, more notably, in the cult horror classic "Cat People" (1942),directed by Jacques Tourneur and produced by Val Lewton. Her performance in "Cat People" was particularly noteworthy, as she brought a unique, cat-like quality to her portrayal of a girl obsessed with an ancient Balkan curse that turns her into a panther.
During the production of "Cat People," Simone was under FBI surveillance due to her relationship with MI5 spy Dusko Popov. After making a few more films, including "The Devil and Daniel Webster" and two lesser-known films at RKO, Simone returned to France, where she continued to work in film and theater. Despite her many affairs and relationships, she never married.
