Bettina Graziani was a French model and actress active in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. She was born on March 1, 1925, in Toulouse, France, and passed away on October 10, 2018, in Paris, France, at 93.
Modeling Career
Bettina Graziani’s career as a model started in the 1940s, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after models in Paris. She worked with famous couture houses such as Christian Dior, Balenciaga, and Givenchy and was known for her distinctive look and natural beauty. She was often described as having fiery red hair, a sharp jawline, and a perfect figure, which made her stand out among other models of her time.
Graziani graced the covers of numerous magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and her images were often shot by famous photographers such as Horst P. Horst and Richard Avedon. Her modeling career took her to many exotic locations worldwide, and she was known for her professionalism and work ethic.
Career in Hollywood
Bettina Graziani’s acting career was not as extensive as her modeling career, but she did appear in several French films in the 1950s and 1960s. Her first film appearance was in the 1952 film “La Vérité sur Bébé Donge,” which was well-received by critics and audiences alike. She played the role of “Chantal” in the film, which showcased her acting talent and versatility.
However, despite her promising start in acting, Graziani’s acting career did not take off as she had hoped. She appeared in a few more films over the next few years, but her acting career remained relatively short-lived. Nevertheless, she remains remembered for her captivating performance in “La Vérité sur Bébé Donge,” and her film work is still highly regarded by film lovers and critics today.
Persona life
Bettina Graziani married photographer Gilbert Graziani during her modeling career, but the marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce. She then started a relationship with screenwriter Peter Viertel, who left his pregnant wife for her. Viertel was the author and screenwriter of films such as “The African Queen” and “The Sun Also Rises.”
In 1955, Graziani retired from modeling after meeting Prince Aly Khan. In 1960, while en route to a party, she and Khan were involved in a fatal car accident outside of Paris. Although she sustained only minor cuts to her forehead, Khan died soon after at the Foch hospital. Graziani was pregnant then and miscarried due to the stress of the accident. After Khan’s death, she wrote an autobiography, “Bettina par, Bettina.” Graziani passed away at the age of 89 in 2015.
