Anne Wiazemsky

Biography

Princess Anne Wiazemsky (May 14, 1947 - October 5, 2017) was a distinguished French actress and member of the Russian Rurikid noble family, specifically the Vyazemsky-Counts Levashov lineage. Her literary heritage is notable; she was the granddaughter of the acclaimed writer François Mauriac through her mother. Wiazemsky gained recognition in the film industry for her performances in several influential works, including Robert Bresson's poignant drama Au hasard Balthazar (1966) and Jean-Luc Godard's provocative films La Chinoise (1967) and Week End (1967). She was married to Godard from 1967 until their divorce in 1979.

In addition to her acting career, Wiazemsky was a talented author, producing a number of novels. Her literary works include Canines (1993), Une Poignée de Gens, Aux Quatre Coins du Monde, and Hymnes à l’Amour (1996). The latter inspired the 2003 film All the Fine Promises, directed by Jean-Paul Civeyrac, featuring Valérie Crunchant and Bulle Ogier. In 2007, she published Jeune Fille, a novel reflecting on her experiences during the filming of Au hasard Balthazar, where she played a significant role at just 18 years old. Wiazemsky's contributions to both film and literature have left an enduring impact on French culture.