Movie Maven Inspiration: Claudette Colbert

Claudette Colbert was known for her natural ability to be beautiful from the inside out, without trying too hard. From just reading interesting references and tid-bits about her life over the years. She always seemed like she was a genuine intelligent person, with an honesty about herself, that allowed her to be true, content and graceful throughout her successful career. Maybe that's why I grew fond of her in movies, at the impressionable age of 10 years old. Since seeing her in Frank Capra's romantic comedy "It Happened One Night" (1934), for which she took home an Oscar, and the glamorous film of Cecile B. DeMille's "Cleopatra". Her personality was full of charisma, wit and spunk! She was originally born in Paris- France, but settled in the United States when her family relocated here in 1906. The daughter of a dressmaker, one of her original aspirations was to be a fashion designer. She made her debut on Broadway in her early 20's, and has been quoted saying that "Broadway was where her heart was, not Hollywood!"

Of course not only was I captured by her personality, but all of the glorious 1930's fashions she displayed in her roles and shoots, have never been short of breathtaking!  I once read that she preferred to do her own hair & makeup for photo-shoots and film, now that's my kind of girl! Claudette's distinctive hairstyle was usually the infamous fluff bang, which she proudly displayed in front of a short bob. She always had a bright- eyed, fresh-heart shape face, youthful look, elegant demeanor, and a clever, but classy attitude. Another swell flick Claudette Colbert shines in is "Since You Went Away" (1944). During the making of this film, Claudette was well in her 30's and was up to the challenge of playing the wife of a solider serving in WWII.

Claudette aged gracefully the rest of her life, and settled in a beautiful estate in Barbados. She made her last film in 1982 at the age of 79 years old. The film was called "The Two Mrs. Greenvilles and co-starred Ann Margaret. She took home a Golden Globe for her performance. Claudette Colbert was a true beauty and a talented actress of her time!