Colbert, Claudette (klōdĕt` kôlbĕr`), 1903–96, American movie actress, b. Paris as Lily Chauchoin. Known for her rosy cheeks, velvet voice, hearty laugh, and curly bangs, Colbert distinguished herself in a series of sophisticated comedies and became one of Hollywood's best-paid movie stars. She also brought a sensuousness to the title role in Cleopatra (1934) and a warm touch to other dramas, in which she often portrayed a forebearing mother. Her other films include her best-known comedy, It Happened One Night (1934), Private Worlds (1935), Since You Went Away (1944), and Parrish (1961). Colbert also appeared on the stage and in a television movie, The Two Mrs. Grenvilles (1986).

Colbert, Claudette

orig. Lily Claudette Chauchoin

(born Sept. 13, 1903, Paris, France—died July 30, 1996, Cobblers Cove, Barb.) French-born U.S. actress. She made her Broadway debut in 1923 and her film debut in Frank Capra's For the Love of Mike (1927). After winning stardom with It Happened One Night (1934, Academy Award), she played the sophisticated heroine of several other comedies, including Midnight (1939) and The Palm Beach Story (1942), and played dramatic roles in Imitation of Life (1934) and Since You Went Away (1944). She made more than 60 films and later appeared occasionally on Broadway and in television dramas.

Colbert, Claudette (b. Claudette Lily Chauchoin) (1905– ) movie/stage actress; born in Paris, France. Immigrating to New York City at age six, she studied to become a fashion designer but ended up acting on Broadway in 1923. Her screen debut came in For the Love of Mike (1927) and she went on to star in movies in many genres, reaching her peak in the sophisticated comedy, It Happened One Night (1934), for which she won the Academy Award for best actress. When she was no longer offered film roles to her taste, she returned to Broadway and starred in several popular plays.