Macha Méril

Macha Méril, born Princess Maria‑Magdalena Vladimirovna Gagarina on 3 September 1940 in Rabat, French Morocco, is a distinguished French actress and writer whose career spans over six decades. Descended from the Russian princely house Gagarin on her father's side and a Ukrainian noble lineage on her mother's side, she brings a unique aristocratic aura to her screen presence, which has intrigued filmmakers and audiences alike. Méril made her cinematic debut in the late 1950s and quickly became a staple of European art cinema, appearing in 125 films between 1959 and 2012, showcasing a remarkable versatility that ranges from avant‑garde collaborations to mainstream thrillers. Notably, she worked with Jean‑Luc Godard in A Married Woman (Une femme mariée), delivered a memorable performance in Luis Buñuel’s iconic Belle de Jour, and was cast by Rainer Werner Fassbinder in Chinese Roulette, each role underscoring her ability to navigate complex, often provocative narratives. In the horror genre, Méril is perhaps most remembered for her chilling portrayal of Helga Ulmann in Dario Argento’s Deep Red and her unsettling role in Aldo Lado’s Night Train Murders (1975), performances that cemented her status as a cult icon. Beyond film, she expanded her repertoire to television, appearing in the popular Quebec series Lance et Compte, and maintained a strong presence on stage, where her theatrical work further demonstrated her command of dramatic nuance. Throughout her extensive career, Méril has also contributed as a writer, authoring works that reflect her intellectual depth and cultural heritage. Married to celebrated composer Michel Legrand from 2014 until his death in 2019, she remains a respected figure in French cinema, admired for her artistic integrity, enduring talent, and the elegant mystique she brings to every role.