Claude Jade, born as Claude Marcelle Jorre on October 8, 1948, in Dijon, France, was a renowned French actress. She is best known for her collaboration with the legendary director Francois Truffaut in the films Baisers voles (Stolen Kisses), Domicile conjugal (Bed and Board), and L’Amour en fuite (Love on the Run). Jade’s talent, beauty, and charm made her a beloved figure in French cinema during the 1960s and 1970s.
Jade made her breakthrough in 1968 when she was chosen to play the role of Christine Darbon, the love interest of Antoine Doinel (played by Jean-Pierre Leaud), in Truffaut’s Baisers voles. Her natural and genuine performance captivated audiences and established her as a rising star in French cinema. She went on to work with Truffaut in two more films, Domicile conjugal (1970) and L’Amour en fuite (1979), cementing their successful partnership and leaving a lasting mark on French New Wave cinema.
Beyond her collaboration with Truffaut, Jade’s talent and versatility allowed her to work with other renowned directors and actors of her time. She starred in films such as The Media Loves Me (1973), directed by Jean-Luc Godard, and Le fils (1973), directed by Pierre Granier-Deferre. Her career spanned over four decades, during which she appeared in numerous films, television series, and theater productions. Her elegance and grace on screen, coupled with her ability to master various genres, earned her the respect and admiration of both critics and audiences.
Despite her success, Jade remained humble and down-to-earth, never letting fame get to her head. She maintained a private personal life and focused on her family, marrying French film director Bernard Coste in 1972 and raising two children. Apart from her acting career, Jade also had a passion for writing and later became a successful author. Her autobiography, Baisers envoles (Stolen Kisses), published in 1993, provided a glimpse into her life and career, further endearing her to her fans.
Jade’s untimely death on December 1, 2006, at the age of 58, left a void in the world of French cinema. However, her legacy continues to live on through her remarkable body of work and the impact she made on the film industry. Claude Jade will always be remembered as a talented and radiant actress whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the history of French cinema.