French-Born Actress Yvonne Furneaux Known for Iconic Film Roles Dies at 98

Yvonne Furneaux, an actress known for her captivating beauty and sophisticated presence, passed away on July 5 at her residence in North Hampton, N.H. She was 98 years old. The sad news was confirmed by her son, Nicholas Natteau, who mentioned that the cause of her death was complications from a stroke.

Early Life and Career

Yvonne Furneaux was born in France and later became a prominent figure in English cinema. She graduated from Oxford University and honed her acting skills at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Her career began on the renowned stages of Britain, where she showcased her talent in productions of "The Taming of the Shrew" and "MacBeth."

Despite her theatrical success, Yvonne Furneaux ultimately gained recognition for her stunning looks, often drawing more attention for her appearance than her acting abilities. Even esteemed critics, such as Kenneth Tynan, dismissed her talent in favor of focusing on her physical attributes. This perception of being typecast based on her appearance was a challenge that Yvonne Furneaux faced throughout her career.