Last updated on: January 1, 2025
Roger Vadim was a renowned French director, screenwriter, and producer. He was born on January 26, 1928, in Paris, France. Vadim is known for his films, often on the theme of love or romance and sometimes with erotic undertones. Movies like And God Created Woman in 1956, Barbarella in 1968, and Pretty Maids All in a Row in 1971 are his most famous films.
Quick Facts About Roger Vadim
Full Name | Roger Vadim |
Birthdate | January 26, 1928 |
Occupation | Film Director, Screenwriter, Producer |
Husband/Wife | Brigitte Bardot, Annette Stroyberg, Jane Fonda, Catherine Schneider, Marie-Christine Barrault |
Education | Studied at the University of Paris |
Died | 11 February 2000 (age 72 years) |
Parents | Jean Vadim (father), Andrée Vaudrey (mother) |
Siblings | 1 sibling (details not known) |
Children | Nathalie Vadim, Vanessa Vadim, Vania Vadim, Christian Vadim |
Net Worth | Estimated at $10 million (at the time of his death) |
Early Life and Career
Vadim’s career began in the 1950s. It was not long before he gained fame with his peculiar storytelling style. His film And God Created Woman starring Brigitte Bardot went well and started both Vadim and Bardot as household names throughout the world. Not only did the movie bring them great success but it also paved the road to the emergence of Vadim to the French film mainstream. His films were usually known for being visually striking and for dealing with complicated love and relationships.
Vadim’s work was part of the French New Wave movement, a time when many filmmakers were trying new ideas and styles in cinema. His films often had a bold look and showed a mix of romance and freedom.
Marriages and Family
Roger Vadim got married five times. He also had affairs with some of the most beautiful ladies of his days. His life outside of movies was just as colorful as it was in. Here are his wives:
1. Brigitte Bardot (1952–1957)
Brigitte Bardot was one of the biggest stars of the 1950s and 1960s, and Vadim’s first wife. The marriage was quite publicized, and they did several films together. Vadim directed Bardot in And God Created Woman, which became a huge success. They separated in 1957 but remained good friends.
2. Annette Stroyberg (1958–1961)
He married Danish actress Annette Stroyberg in 1958. They have one daughter, Nathalie Vadim, born in 1957. But he divorced her in 1961.
3. Jane Fonda (1965–1973)
His third wife was the American actress Jane Fonda. They met in the early 1960s and married in 1965. During their marriage, they had a daughter named Vanessa Vadim, who was born in 1968. Jane Fonda starred in several of Vadim’s films, including Barbarella (1968), a movie that became a cult classic. Their marriage lasted for eight years before they divorced in 1973.
4. Catherine Schneider (1975–1977)
In 1975, Vadim married Catherine Schneider. They had one son, Vania Vadim, but their marriage only lasted for two years, ending in 1977.
5. Marie-Christine Barrault (1990–2000)
Vadim’s final marriage was to Marie-Christine Barrault in 1990. This marriage lasted until Vadim’s death in 2000. He died of cancer on February 11, 2000.
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Roger Vadim’s Legacy
Roger Vadim is remembered for his creativity in filmmaking and his romantic relationships with well-known actresses. His films, especially And God Created Woman and Barbarella, have left a lasting impact on cinema. Even though his personal life was often in the spotlight, Vadim’s talent in directing and storytelling is what truly made him famous.
The actress’s daughter Vanessa Vadim described her father’s love for the actress as, “the love of life”. Vanessa is herself an activist just like her mother and is also a filmmaker. She has engaged in several causes just like her mother Jane, and she directed a documentary based on her illustrious mother called Jane Fonda in Five Acts.
Vadim’s influence on cinema still lives to this day. His work shaped the French cinema, and inspired filmmakers to come forward. His daring approach to filmmaking is still followed by film students and directors as well.
Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com