Sophie Marceau | Rotten Tomatoes (2024)

A sultry French actress, Sophie Marceau gained no small degree of popularity in her native country before earning wide exposure as the French Princess of Wales in Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning blockbuster, "Braveheart" (1995). Prior to her American breakthrough, Marceau became a star in France thanks to starring roles in "La boum" ("The Party") (1980) and its popular 1982 sequel, which earned her a Cesar as Most Promising Newcomer. She went on to deliver noted performances in "Joyeuses Pâques" (1984) and "Fort Saganne" (1984), before starting a collaboration with Polish director and husband of 17 years, Andrzej Zulawski, on "L'Amour braque" (1985). She made her U.S. debut in the French comedy, "Pacific Palisades" (1990), but it was her supporting turn as William Wallace's unlikely lover and ally in "Braveheart" that served as her true introduction to American audiences. From there, Marceau starred as the titular "Anna Karenina" (1997), was one of the main villains in the James Bond adventure, "The World is Not Enough" (1999), and had a supporting turn in Rob Reiner's "Alex and Emma" (2003). Despite her success in America, Marceau was mainly a supporting actress in Hollywood, which led to a return to France where the talented performer resumed her mantle of being one of her country's top leading ladies.