Overview

Simone "Yvette" Lebon (14 August 1910 – 28 July 2014) was a French film actress whose screen career spanned more than four decades. She is credited with appearing in 39 films between 1931 and 1972 and worked in a variety of popular and genre pictures of her era. Biographical summaries note her longevity and continuing recognition in France late in life.

Early life and career

Lebon was born in Paris and began acting in the early 1930s. Over the next decades she built a steady career in French cinema, moving between supporting and leading parts. Her film credits are summarized in filmographies and databases that list her appearances across comedies, dramas and light entertainment of the period (filmography).

Wartime period and associations

During World War II she was linked romantically to Jean Luchaire, a prominent French journalist and controversial public figure of that time. Contemporary accounts and later histories discuss his role in media and politics; Lebon’s connection to him has been noted in biographical sources but is framed by the complex context of occupied France and postwar reckonings (World War II, Jean Luchaire, political).

Personal life and move to the United States

After the war Lebon spent periods living outside France and ultimately moved to Hollywood in California. There she married producer Nathan Wachsberger, a Belgian-born (Belgian) émigré who later held American nationality (American). The couple had a son, Patrick Wachsberger, who became involved in the film business with Summit Entertainment.

Later years and legacy

In August 2013 Lebon celebrated her 103rd birthday and was reported to be among France’s oldest surviving actors at that time (France). She spent her final years on the French Riviera and died of natural causes on 28 July 2014 in Cannes. Her career is remembered as part of the interwar and postwar French screen tradition, and she is cited in reference works that document performers of the 20th century.

Selected notes

  • Screen career: 39 credited film appearances (1931–1972) — see credited list.
  • Noted relationships: associated with Jean Luchaire during the 1940s (journalist, politician).
  • Family: married to producer Nathan Wachsberger (Belgian-born, later American); mother of Patrick Wachsberger of Summit Entertainment.
  • Later recognition: cited in French media as one of the country’s oldest surviving actors in 2013 (France).

For concise film credits and basic biographical dates consult standard film databases and reference entries (filmography, birthplace, death notice).