Legendary Hollywood star Yvonne Furneaux, most well known for her performances in films such as Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” and Roman Polanski’s “Repulsion” has passed away at the age of 98. At least her family and friends can take solace in the fact she lived a long, full life. Such a reality does not, however, make the pain go away. Not completely. Losing a loved one leaves an empty space in your heart, as if someone took a sharp blade and hollowed out the center of your soul. The wound heals some, but the scar is deep and never really fades.
According to The Daily Caller:
Furneaux’s son Nicholas Natteau confirmed her death to The Hollywood Reporter, July 23. He told the publication his mother died at her North Hampton, New Hampshire home, July 5, as a result of complications from a stroke. The glamorous actress was a leading lady in the 1950s and 60s that left an unforgettable mark on Hollywood that will continue to live on.
Furneaux appeared opposite Hollywood’s most famous stars from the golden era, including Laurence Olivier, Christopher Lee and Errol Flynn
The mesmerizing actress starred in “Meet Me Tonight” and “Affair in Monte Carlo” in 1952, but Furneaux’s breakthrough role was in “Le Amiche” in 1955. The movie proved to be a hit at the Venice Film Festival. The famous actress went on to play the female lead in the epic 1959 horror film “The Mummy” starring Peter Cushing and Lee, before starring in the Fellini’s legendary “La Dolce Vita” in 1960.
By 1960, Furneaux was a legitimate, well-established star in Hollywood with many loyal fans and admirers.
The star’s impressive list of credits includes on-stage appearances in “Macbeth” and “The Taming of the Shrew,” along with “The Beggar’s Opera,” “The House of the Arrow” and a role as Flynn’s mistress in “The Master of Ballantrae,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. She also starred in “Crossed Swords,” alongside Flynn.
Furneaux ended up meeting her future hubby, Jacques Natteau, a cinematographer, while working on the movie, “The Story of the Count of Monte Cristo.” The pair were married in 1962. The couple remained married all the way until Natteau’s death in 2007. When it comes to Hollywood marriages, that’s got to be one of the longest. Most celebrity marriages do not last long. Glad to see that Furneaux’s was an exception to the rule.
Many individuals have taken to social media to honor Furneaux.
What’s truly sad is that Hollywood is not producing nearly as many stars like Furneaux these days. People who have genuine skill and apply their best to every role are few and far in between. Sure, lots of actors today have amazing talent, but do they possess the character and charisma to establish full on fan bases and maintain that support for a lifetime?
Probably not.
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Be sure to pray for Furneaux’s family in the coming days and weeks. Holidays are rough when you lose someone. Especially those that you see around Christmas. It won’t be the same around the tree this year.