Hélène Olivine Veilleux (April 3, 1911 – September 20, 1956), known professionally as Nanette Bordeaux, was a French Canadian-born American film actress. Bordeaux made over 15 film appearances between 1942 and 1957.

Nanette Bordeaux
Bordeaux in the 1940s
Born
Hélène Olivine Veilleux

(1911-04-03)April 3, 1911
DiedSeptember 20, 1956(1956-09-20) (aged 45)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Other namesFrancine Bordeaux
Years active1942-1957

Career

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Bordeaux moved with her family from Quebec to New York City in the 1930s, where she began auditioning for several theatre productions. By 1938, Bordeaux did a screen test at the Hal Roach Studios, and was chosen over 50 other actresses. She made appearances in several small movies in the 1940s, under the name Francine Bordeaux.[1] Bordeaux was hired by Columbia Pictures director Jules White in 1949, and began appearing in several short subjects, most notably with the Three Stooges. As she sported a genuine French accent, she was often cast as a "Fifi," in films such as Hugs and Mugs, Pest Man Wins, A Missed Fortune and Loose Loot.[2] She also had to hide her French accent under an American one in such films as Slaphappy Sleuths and Income Tax Sappy.[1]

Death

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Bordeaux's career was cut short when she died of acute bronchopneumonia on September 20, 1956, at age 45.[1] Her last film, A Merry Mix Up, was released six months after her death.[1]

Selected filmography

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Cappello, Bill (Winter 1994). "Nanette Bordeaux: A Brief Biography". The Three Stooges Journal (72). Gyynedd Valley, Pennsylvania: The Three Stooges Fan Club, Inc.: 6–7.
  2. ^ Nanette Bordeaux
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