Corinne Cléry, born Corinne Marie Picolo on March 23, 1950, in Paris, France, is a name that holds a significant place in the world of European cinema, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. Her journey from a young Parisian to an international film star is a fascinating story of resilience, talent, and a willingness to push boundaries. Over the years, Cléry has become synonymous with a certain era of film, especially due to her roles in erotic and controversial films, but her career encompasses much more than just that.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born into a Parisian family, Corinne Cléry’s early life did not immediately suggest a future in cinema. However, the allure of the silver screen soon captured her imagination. At the young age of 17, Corinne married Hubert Wayaffe, a union that marked the beginning of her journey into the entertainment industry. That same year, in 1967, she made her film debut in Joel Le Moigné’s Les Poneyttes, a film that provided a modest start to her acting career.
However, it wasn’t until 1973 that Corinne Cléry truly began to make her mark, particularly in Italy. Her role in Il sergente Rompiglioni, directed by Pier Giorgio Ferretti, introduced her to Italian audiences, who would become some of her most ardent fans. During this early phase of her career, she also used the pseudonym Corinne Piccoli, a name closer to her birth name, to build her early filmography.
The Breakthrough: Histoire d’O and Rising Fame
Corinne Cléry’s breakthrough role came in 1975 when she starred in the controversial and erotic film Histoire d’O, directed by Just Jaeckin. The film, based on the equally controversial novel by Pauline Réage, was a daring project that placed Cléry at the center of international attention. Histoire d’O became a symbol of the erotic film genre, and while it sparked much debate, it undeniably catapulted Cléry into the limelight.
Cléry’s portrayal of the titular character in Histoire d’O was both praised and criticized. The film’s explicit content and its exploration of themes like submission and domination were ahead of its time, challenging the moral sensibilities of many. Yet, for Cléry, this role was a testament to her willingness to take risks and her desire to push the boundaries of her craft. In a later interview, she reflected on the experience, stating, “The first film I did was Histoire d’O: a very high-level erotic film. It was based on the famous novel by Pauline Réage, a book well-known in France. The film was highly criticized; some liked it, others did not. I might have done it with a bit of recklessness, but I am French, and for that matter, Parisian—we were a bit ahead on certain topics back then.”
Expanding Her Filmography: The Late 1970s and 1980s
Following the success of Histoire d’O, Corinne Cléry became a sought-after actress in Europe, particularly in Italy. The late 1970s saw her star in a string of successful films across various genres, showcasing her versatility as an actress. In 1976 alone, she appeared in four films: Bluff – Storia di truffe e di imbroglioni directed by Sergio Corbucci, E tanta paura directed by Paolo Cavara, Striptease directed by German Lorente, and Sturmtruppen directed by Salvatore Samperi. These films allowed Cléry to work with some of the biggest names in Italian cinema, including Adriano Celentano and Anthony Quinn.
As her career continued to evolve, Cléry took on roles that further cemented her status as an international star. She starred in Kleinhoff Hotel directed by Carlo Lizzani and Autostop rosso sangue by Pasquale Festa Campanile, films that contributed to her growing reputation as an actress unafraid of challenging and sometimes controversial roles. Her work in Sono stato un agente C.I.A. directed by Romolo Guerrieri added to her already impressive resume.
One of the highlights of Cléry’s career came in 1979 when she starred in the James Bond film Moonraker directed by Lewis Gilbert. Playing the role of Corinne Dufour, a Bond girl opposite Roger Moore, Cléry once again found herself in the international spotlight. Initially hesitant to take on the role, as she was not the lead female character, Cléry eventually embraced the opportunity. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “When they offered me the role in Moonraker – Operazione Spazio, I initially did not want to accept because I wasn’t the main protagonist. But eventually, I was convinced, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience.”
Transition to the Small Screen and Continued Success
The 1980s marked a period of transition for Corinne Cléry as she began to explore opportunities in television while continuing her work in film. She appeared in L’ultimo harem directed by Sergio Garrone and Il mondo di Yor directed by Antonio Margheriti, among other films. However, it was her work on television that introduced her to a new audience. She starred in the TV film Benedetta e company, a performance that showcased her ability to transition seamlessly between the big and small screens.
Cléry continued to work with prominent directors, including Alberto Sordi in Tutti dentro and Carlo Vanzina in Yuppies – I giovani di successo and Via Montenapoleone. These films, particularly the latter, became iconic representations of 1980s Italian cinema, reflecting the era’s social and cultural dynamics.
Her television work during this time was equally diverse. Cléry appeared in the miniseries Turno di notte and the popular show I ragazzi del muretto, which helped solidify her status as a household name in Italy.
The 1990s: A New Chapter
The 1990s brought new challenges and opportunities for Corinne Cléry. She continued to appear in both films and television, adapting to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry. In 1991, she appeared in Per sempre directed by Walter Hugo Khouri and Tramonti fiorentini directed by Gianni Siragusa. Her roles in popular films like Vacanze di Natale ’90 and Occhio alla perestrojka ensured that she remained a relevant figure in Italian cinema.
As the decade progressed, Cléry explored more diverse roles, including her performances in Donna di cuori directed by Lina Mangiacapre and Le Roi de Paris directed by Dominique Maillet. These roles demonstrated her ability to navigate different genres and characters, from comedy to drama.
The 2000s and Beyond: Reinventing Herself
As the new millennium dawned, Corinne Cléry continued to reinvent herself, taking on roles that were often unconventional and unexpected. In 2000, she appeared in Alex l’Ariete, a film that, despite its critical reception, became a cult classic in Italy. Her role in this “trash cult” film, alongside Alberto Tomba and Michelle Hunziker, added another layer to her eclectic career.
The early 2000s saw Cléry take on more television roles, including appearances in the miniseries Non ho l’età 2 and an episode of Don Matteo, a popular Italian TV series starring Terence Hill. These roles allowed Cléry to maintain her connection with Italian audiences while exploring new formats and genres.
In 2004, Cléry married Beppe Ercole, the ex-husband of fellow actress Serena Grandi. This marriage, coupled with her continued work in film, television, and theater, kept her in the public eye. Cléry’s work in theater included roles in Casina and C’è un uomo nudo in casa, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her return to television in the soap opera Incantesimo and her appearance in the film Ti stramo – Ho voglia di un’ultima notte da manuale prima di tre baci sopra il cielo further demonstrated her ability to adapt to different entertainment mediums.
Reality TV and Recent Ventures
In the late 2000s and 2010s, Corinne Cléry embraced the world of reality television, a move that brought her back into the spotlight in a new way. In 2009, she participated in Ballando con le stelle, the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars. Although she was eliminated in the first episode, her appearance on the show introduced her to a younger audience.
In 2013, Cléry took part in the adventure reality show Pechino Express alongside her partner Angelo Costabile. The show, which involved traveling and completing challenges, showcased Cléry’s adventurous spirit and her ability to engage with new formats of entertainment. Although the couple was eliminated in the fifth episode, their participation was memorable for fans of the show.
Cléry’s reality TV journey continued in 2017 when she joined the second season of Grande Fratello Vip, the celebrity version of the Italian Big Brother. Her time on the show was marked by a highly publicized argument with Serena Grandi, a fellow contestant and her husband’s ex-wife. This incident, filled with drama and intensity, became one of the most talked-about moments of the season.
Legacy and Impact
Corinne Cléry’s career spans over five decades, during which she has successfully navigated the changing tides of the entertainment industry. From her breakthrough role in Histoire d’O to her continued presence in film, television, and reality TV, Cléry has remained a dynamic and influential figure in European cinema.
Her willingness to take on controversial roles, her adaptability across different genres, and her enduring presence in the public eye have cemented her status as a cultural icon. Cléry’s impact on the world of film, particularly in the realm of erotic cinema, cannot be overstated. She pushed boundaries and challenged societal norms at a time when such acts were both daring and necessary for the evolution of the art form.
Conclusion: A Life in the Spotlight
Corinne Cléry’s life and career are a testament to her talent, resilience, and adaptability. From her early days in Paris to her rise as an international film star, Cléry has consistently proven her ability to captivate audiences with her performances. Her journey is one of constant reinvention, a quality that has allowed her to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry.
As she continues to explore new opportunities in entertainment, whether through acting, reality TV, or other ventures, Corinne Cléry’s legacy as a trailblazer in European cinema remains firmly intact. Her story is not just one of fame and glamour but also of determination and a deep commitment to her craft.
