Jean Seberg

Jean Seberg was an American actress best known for her debut in Otto Preminger's *Saint Joan* (1957) and her leading role in Jean-Luc Godard's *Breathless* (1960).

Jean Seberg was an American actress best known for her debut in Otto Preminger's *Saint Joan* (1957) and her leading role in Jean-Luc Godard's *Breathless* (1960). She became closely associated with French New Wave cinema and later worked in both Hollywood and European films. Seberg was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, and died in Paris in 1979.

Early life and discovery

Jean Seberg was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on November 13, 1938. She was discovered by director Otto Preminger through a large talent search and cast in the title role of *Saint Joan* (1957), which launched her film career.

Film career

Seberg acted in a mix of American and European productions. Her best-known roles include *Bonjour Tristesse* (1958) and *Breathless* (1960), along with later films such as *Lilith* (1964), *The Mouse That Roared* (1959), *Paint Your Wagon* (1969), and *Airport* (1970). She appeared in both Hollywood and European films throughout her career.

French New Wave association

Seberg became one of the most recognizable faces of French New Wave cinema, largely due to her performance as Patricia Franchini in Jean-Luc Godard's *Breathless* (1960). Her image and performances in French films helped define her international reputation and cemented her association with the movement.

Later life and death

Seberg continued acting into the 1970s and lived in Paris for part of her later life. She died in Paris on August 30, 1979, at age 40.