Marion Cotillard is a French actress and singer. She was born on September 30, 1975, in Sangharshor, a small commune in the Cantal department in south-central France. Her parents, Jean-Claude Cotillard, a actor, and Nise Marion Schmidt, an actress and drama teacher, named her after the character Marion LaFleur from Marcel Aymé's play "Le Roi Malgré Lui."
Cotillard began her acting career as a child, appearing in commercials and small roles in French television. She made her film debut in 1993 in "Gaspar noé's Irréversible," but it was her role as the titular character in the 2001 French film "La Vie en Rose" that brought her international recognition. In the film, she portrayed the legendary French singer Édith Piaf, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Cotillard is known for her versatility as an actress, having worked in a variety of genres, from drama to science fiction to musicals. Some of her other notable film roles include "A Very Long Engagement," "Public Enemies," "The Dark Knight Rises," and "Macbeth." She has also lent her voice to animated films, such as "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya" and "The Little Prince."
In addition to her acting career, Cotillard is also a singer. She released her debut album, "Ding and Dong," in 2004, which featured covers of French and American songs. She has since released several other albums, including "Little Dreams" and "Breath."
Cotillard is also an environmental and humanitarian activist. She has worked with various organizations, including Greenpeace and UNICEF, to raise awareness and funds for various causes.
Physically, Cotillard is described as having a petite, slender build, with long, dark hair and expressive, deep-set brown eyes. She is known for her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her acting and singing.