Fanny Ardant

French actress, touted as France's answer to Katharine Hepburn. Since first gaining international attention in her starring role opposite Gérard Depardieu in François Truffaut's "La Femme d'à côté," Ardant has become recognized as one of France's most popular and well-respected actresses.

The daughter of a cavalry officer, Fanny was born in France and grew up in Monaco, where her father's position allowed the family to visit with Princess Grace frequently. At age 17, Ardant relocated to Aix-en-Provence to study political science. She took drama classes from Jean Périmony and made her professional debut in a 1974 stage production of "Corneille's Polyeucte."

Ardant received her first critical acclaim in 1979 with her performance in Truffaut’s made-for-TV drama. Shortly after, she began her association with François Truffaut. The working relationship resulted in two of her most memorable roles, "La Femme d'à côté" in 1981 and "Vivement dimanche!" in 1983, and their personal relationship lasted until Truffaut's death of a cancerous brain tumor on 21 October 1984.

Ardant's work continued to thrive after Truffaut's death, and she cemented her reputation with serious, passionate roles in a number of dramatic films. "Pédale douce" won her the 1997 Best Actress César. Ardant also maintained a career on the stage.

Truffaut described Ardant as: "...full of vitality, enthusiasm, humor, intensity, but also with an air of secrecy, a timid side, a hint of wildness, and above all, a sense of vibrancy." She loves classical music and literature. An elegant, statuesque brunette, she has pale, striking, handsome features. She has three daughters - Joséphine (born in 1983 from her relationship with François Truffaut), Lumir and Baladine - whom she has brought up on her own.