Annie Girardot (1931-2011) was a prominent French actress, known for her intense screen presence and her ability to portray complex characters. She gained international recognition with Luchino Visconti's dramatic film *Rocco and His Brothers* (1960), where she played Nadia, a tormented prostitute.

Characterized by a natural and straightforward style, she often embodied strong and independent women, yet also vulnerable and grappling with social or personal difficulties. Her typical roles included modern female figures, often working women or mothers, who faced life with courage and resilience.

Among her most celebrated films are Claude Lelouch's *Live for Life* (1967), for which she achieved great success, and especially André Cayatte's *Mourir d'aimer* (1971), where she played a teacher in love with one of her underage students, a role that earned her immense popularity and recognition for its dramatic intensity. Her versatility allowed her to successfully transition from drama to comedy, becoming a familiar and beloved face of French and European cinema.