Signoret biography

Academy-award winning French actress and social activist who appeared in a number of film classics during her year career. Born Simone Henriette Charlotte Kaminker on March 25, , in Wiesbaden, Germany; died on September 30, , in Normandy, France; daughter of André Kaminker and Georgette (Signoret) Kaminker; married Yves Allegret (a director), in (divorced ); married Yves Montand (a singer-actor), in ; children: (with Allegret) Catherine Allegret (an actress, b.

).

Moved to Paris with her family while still a child; eventually forced to work as a typist to support family when the Nazis invaded Paris and her Jewish father fled to London; after several years working as an extra in films, was given her first leading role (), beginning her career as a versatile and accomplished character actress of the French screen; won international recognition; received Academy Award as Best Actress for Room at the Top (); published two volumes of memoirs and a novel.