Suzanne Cloutier

Suzanne Cloutier
Name	Suzanne Cloutier
Birth date	8 July 1923
Birth place	Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Death date	2 December 2003 (aged 80)
Death place	Paris, France
Occupation	Actress
Spouse	Peter Ustinov (1954–1971), Jacques Sernas (1973–2003)

Suzanne Cloutier was a Canadian actress whose career spanned film and theatre, most notably in mid-20th century European cinema. She is internationally recognized for her portrayal of Desdemona in Orson Welles's acclaimed 1952 adaptation of William Shakespeare's Othello. Her work brought her into collaboration with major figures of the era, including director Julien Duvivier and her future husband, actor and playwright Peter Ustinov.

Early life and education

Suzanne Cloutier was born in the capital city of Ottawa, within the province of Ontario. She demonstrated an early interest in the performing arts, which led her to pursue formal training in Montreal, a major cultural hub in Quebec. Her ambition for an international career prompted a move to Europe, where she continued her studies in Paris, immersing herself in the vibrant post-war artistic scene of France.

Career

Cloutier's film career began in the late 1940s with roles in French productions. Her breakthrough came when she was cast by the legendary American director Orson Welles in his cinematic interpretation of Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello. Her performance as the innocent Desdemona opposite Orson Welles as the Moor and Micheál Mac Liammóir as Iago earned her significant critical attention. Following this success, she appeared in a variety of international films, including the British drama The Heart of the Matter alongside Trevor Howard, and worked with esteemed French director Julien Duvivier on The Burning Court. Her career also included roles in productions for RKO Pictures and collaborations with other notable actors such as Richard Burton.

Personal life

Suzanne Cloutier's personal life was closely linked to the artistic world. Her first marriage was to the renowned British actor, writer, and director Peter Ustinov in 1954. The couple had three children, including daughter Tamara Ustinov, and were part of a glittering social circle that included figures like David Niven and Sophia Loren. After her divorce from Ustinov in 1971, she married French-Lithuanian actor Jacques Sernas in 1973, with whom she remained until her death. She divided her time between residences in Paris and Geneva, and was known for her fluency in both English and French.

Filmography

Cloutier's filmography reflects her work across different national cinemas. Key titles include *The Heart of the Matter* (1953), *Othello* (1952), *The Burning Court* (1962), and *The Barbarians* (1960). She also appeared in earlier French films such as *Les amants de Vérone* (1949) and worked on projects for major studios like RKO Pictures and J. Arthur Rank in the United Kingdom.

Stage work

While primarily known for her film roles, Suzanne Cloutier also maintained a presence in theatre. She performed on stage in London's West End, appearing in productions that showcased her dramatic range. Her theatrical work often intersected with her film career, as she performed in plays by classic playwrights and contemporary writers alike, sometimes under the direction of her then-husband, Peter Ustinov.

Legacy

Suzanne Cloutier is remembered as a talented actress who successfully transitioned from Canadian beginnings to a career in prestigious European and international cinema. Her performance in Orson Welles's Othello remains her most enduring contribution to film history, preserved in the Criterion Collection and studied by scholars of Shakespearean adaptation. Her life and career exemplify the transnational nature of post-war filmmaking, connecting the cinematic traditions of Canada, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

Category:Canadian film actresses Category:Canadian stage actresses Category:1923 births Category:2003 deaths