Jeanne Helbling (July 26, 1903 – August 6, 1985) was a French film actress and a member of the French Resistance during World War II.
Life and Career
Born Johanna Marie Helbling in Thann, Haut-Rhin, Alsace (then part of the German Empire under annexation), she was the daughter of Adolphe Helbling, a textile pattern designer and amateur painter, and Maria Christen. The family moved to Paris in 1907, where Jeanne grew up and earned her brevet supérieur at age 15. She began working as an extra in films around 1921, and was discovered by director Julien Duvivier in 1922, launching her professional film career.
Helbling acted in French cinema from the early 1920s through the mid-1940s, appearing in over 40 feature films and several short films. Her filmography includes works directed by notable figures such as Julien Duvivier (Le Logis de l'horreur, 1922; La Glace à trois faces, 1927), Sacha Guitry (Remontons les Champs-Élysées, 1938), and Jacques Feyder. She also appeared in productions for German and American markets, including The Big Trail (1931).
World War II and Resistance
During the German occupation of France, Helbling became a prominent member of the French Resistance. She was active in intelligence and escape networks, aiding Allied soldiers and downed aviators. Her wartime service was later recognized with the award of the Order of the British Empire and, in 1983, the rank of Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Later Life and Death
After the war, Helbling largely retired from acting (her final credited film role was Women's Games, 1946) and relocated to the United States. She died on August 6, 1985, in New York City at the age of 82.
Selected Filmography
- Les Roquevillard (1921)
- Le Logis de l'horreur (1922)
- Mandrin (1924)
- La Glace à trois faces (1927)
- Le Procès de Mary Dugan (1931)
- La Fille de la Madelon (1937)
- Paix sur le Rhin (1938)
- Trois valses (1938)
- Remontons les Champs-Élysées (1938)
- Dernier Métro (1945)
- Women's Games (1946)
