Michèle Mercier, born Jocelyne Yvonne Renée Mercier in Nice on January 1, 1939, is a French actress. She began her career as a ballet dancer before making her film debut in the late 1950s. She worked with prominent directors such as François Truffaut in *Shoot the Piano Player* (1960) and in Italy with Dino Risi and Mario Monicelli, demonstrating her versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles. Her international fame is inextricably linked to the role of Angélique in the film series that began with *Angélique, Marquise of the Angels* (1964). This character, which she portrayed in five highly successful films, established her as an icon of beauty and adventure, but at the same time, it limited her subsequent professional opportunities due to strong typecasting. Despite this, her filmography includes over fifty titles across French, Italian, and international productions. For her contribution to cinema, she was made a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.