Here is the biography of Emmanuelle Riva:
Emmanuelle Riva was born Paulette Germaine Riva in Cheniménil, France, on February 24, 1927. She was the only child of Jeanne Fernande Nourdin, a seamstress, and René Alfred "Alfredo" Riva, a sign writer. Her paternal grandfather was Italian.
Riva grew up in Remiremont, where she developed a passion for acting at a young age. She dreamed of becoming an actress, but her family, particularly her father, who considered the profession to be of poor reputation, opposed her ambitions.
Despite this, Riva continued to pursue her dream, and at 15, she began an apprenticeship as a seamstress. However, she soon realized that sewing was not for her and eventually resigned herself to take up the profession.
In her early 20s, Riva discovered the announcement of a contest at the Dramatic Arts Centre of Rue Blanche, which led her to Paris and eventually to her breakthrough in the film industry.
Riva's big break came when she auditioned in front of Jean Meyer, a leading actor and director of the Comédie-Française, and was awarded a scholarship and taken on as his pupil.
Her early film credits included roles in "Arms and the Man" and "Mrs. Warren's Profession," as well as her small screen debut in the history program "Énigmes de l'histoire."
Riva's performance in "Hiroshima Mon Amour" (1959) earned her widespread critical acclaim and launched her career as a major talent. She went on to appear in numerous films, including "Le huitième jour," "Recours en grâce," "Adua and Her Friends," "Kapo," "Léon Morin, Priest," and "Therese."
Throughout the 1960s, Riva continued to work in film and television, taking on a range of roles and working with some of the most respected directors of the time. She also appeared on stage, including a production of Marguerite Duras' play "Savannah Bay" in 2013.
In 2012, Riva starred in Michael Haneke's film "Amour," which earned her widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a César Award for Best Actress. She also received an Academy Award nomination for her performance.
Riva continued to work in film and theater until her death on January 27, 2017, after a secret battle with cancer. Her legacy as one of the greatest actresses of her generation continues to be celebrated.
