Born Emilie Lily Chauchoin (or Lily Emilie, depending on the source) in Paris, Claudette Colbert was one of those actresses who could do it all---comedy, drama, stage, silents, talkies, TV. Having moved to New York with her family when she was nine years old, Lily---who had changed her named to Lily Claudette---began her show business career on the Broadway stage. The stage would remain a love, and it would draw her back regularly through the years.
In a career spanning over six decades, Claudette made 62 films, earning a Best Actress Academy Award for her work in Frank Capra's It Happened One Night. She would be nominated two more times for that award. Her appearance in the 1987 TV mini-series, The Two Mrs. Grenvilles, garnered her an Emmy Award nomination (Best Supporting Actress) and a Golden Globe win. Her stage work brought a Tony Award nomination her way. Not many actresses can boast of having Oscar, Emmy, and Tony nominations, but this "can do it all" gal did. Over the course of her long career, Miss Colbert was paired with a variety of leading men, including Don Ameche, Clark Gable, and, for seven films, Fred MacMurray.
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The lovely, classy Claudette came into my life through It Happened One Night. It was close to seven years ago, when, having long-loved It's a Wonderful Life, I went on a quest to see more of Frank Capra's works and discovered the completely charming "bus movie." I promptly fell in love with Miss Colbert, and she has been among my 20 favorite actresses ever since. I think she's classy, elegant, sophisticated, and feminine. She's always a delight to watch!
So, Miss Claudette Colbert, here's to you on your 110th birthday. You were a wonderful actress, and you will always be one of my favorites. Thank you for making so many terrific movies, including two (It Happened One Night and Imitation of Life) which are among my 20 favorites of all time.
