Renée Saint-Cyr, a French actress, was renowned for her captivating performances in both comedy and drama, spanning nearly seven decades before her passing at the age of 99 due to complications from bronchitis.
Born Marie Louise Eugénie Vittore on November 16, 1904, to a hotel owner and opera singer, Renée began her career as a model before marrying Charles Leopold Lautner, a wealthy man, at the age of 21. She then attended a drama school in Marseilles, making her film debut in 1933 as one of The Two Orphans, alongside Rosine Deréan, based on the silent classic Orphans of the Storm.
Renée's stunning beauty, refined demeanor, and comedic talent propelled her to stardom, starring in numerous iconic films, including Toto, D'amour et d'eau fraîche, Une fois dans la vie, Le dernier milliardaire, Paris, L'école des cocottes, Donogoo, and The Pearls of the Crown. She also appeared in dramatic roles in 27 rue de la Paix and Marked Girls.
In addition to her film career, Renée graced the stage in productions such as "The Threepenny Opera." She declined an offer from 20th Century-Fox but starred in Strange Boarders in England and Red Roses in Italy, co-starring Vittorio De Sica.
During the war years, Renée starred in popular films like La symphonie fantastique, Marie-Martine, Paméla, Pierre et Jean, Étrange destin, and L'insaisissable Frédéric. She continued to appear in films throughout the 1950s, including The Knight of the Night, Il cavaliere di Maison Rouge, and Si Paris nous était conté.
After leaving films, Renée returned to acting in the 1960s, starring in La Cocktail Party and Lafayette. Her son, Georges Lautner, had become a successful film writer and director, often featuring Renée in his productions, including The Monocle, Fleur d'oseille, Quelques messieurs trop tranquilles, Now We've Seen It All!, Ils sont fous ces sorciers, My Other Husband, and Room Service.
