Louis Jourdan

Actor Louis Jourdan was the epitome of continental charm in dozens of dramas both in his native France and in Hollywood, including "Letter from an Unknown Woman" (1948), "The Swan" (1955), "Gigi" (1958) and "The V.I.P.s" (1963). Possessed of dark good looks, an innate elegance, and a deep, sonorous voice, he romanced some of the screen's most legendary leading ladies, including Joan Fontaine, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Leslie Caron. Off-camera, he bristled at his stereotyping and sought more substantive parts on Broadway and television. He moved into character parts in the late 1960s and 1970s, essaying such celebrated characters as Count Dracula and D'Artagnan in TV movies. A spate of high-profile projects, including the James Bond thriller "Octopussy" (1983), preceded his retirement in 1992. His ability to move successfully between films, stage and television over the course of four decades while retaining his signature appeal made him one of Hollywood's most durable players. Jourdan died at home in Beverly Hills on February 14, 2015.