A beloved actress known to international audiences through *Downton Abbey* and film roles has reportedly passed away after battling Lewy body dementia.

The article says she faced “the progressive neurological disorder” with privacy and dignity. Lewy body dementia affects memory, movement, and thinking, making daily life increasingly difficult over time.

Born in 1948 in Normandy, the actress had an unconventional path into entertainment. After dealing with dyslexia in her early years, she first found success in dance before later moving into acting.

By the 1970s, she had become well known in French cinema, working with respected directors including François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard. The article notes that her talent earned her four César Awards and recognition as an important figure in French culture.

International audiences may best remember her role in Catch Me If You Can, directed by Steven Spielberg, where she played the mother of a character portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio.

More recently, she appeared in Downton Abbey: A New Era as Madame de Montmirail, a role that introduced her to a newer global audience.

The article praises her ability to portray both emotional complexity and elegance, saying she brought “a rare, authentic intensity to every frame.”

Outside of acting, she was described as loyal, warm, and humorous. Her friendship with director Thierry Klifa was highlighted as an example of her lasting personal connections.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura Smet, who continues the family’s artistic tradition.

The article concludes by remembering more than her performances. It honors “the resilient, generous spirit of a woman who lived her life with profound intention.”

Her legacy remains tied not only to her acclaimed career, but also to the grace with which she faced illness and lived her life.