Arletty

French actress. She began work as a factory worker and ended as a legend of the French cinema, first entering film history with her role in the classic "Hotel Du Nord." Her dad died in an accident in 1916 and she had to go to work though she preferred going into Paris to popular cafes. She was noticed there and became a model in 1918 then a chorus girl, taking the single name "Arletty." A popular film player, she refused to work in German cinema but was accused of collaboration because she had a German lover during the occupation. Work dried up and she did not make a major film until 1949, "Portrait D'un Assassin."

She never married or had kids. Her vision progressively failed after 1964. She published her autobiography at 89, "I Am As I Am."

Arletty died 23 July 1992, Paris.