Claudine Auger

Claudine Auger, born Claudine Oger on April 26, 1941, in Paris, France, was a prominent actress celebrated for her memorable portrayal of Dominique "Domino" Derval in the iconic James Bond film Thunderball (1965). Her journey to fame began when she was crowned Miss France Monde and subsequently became the first runner-up in the 1958 Miss World competition.

Auger's acting career commenced while she was still a student, and at the age of 18, she entered into marriage with the 43-year-old writer-director Pierre Gaspard-Huit, who featured her in several films, including Le Masque de fer (1962) and Kali Yug: Goddess of Vengeance (1963).

Her breakthrough came during a vacation in Nassau, where she caught the attention of writer-producer Kevin McClory, who encouraged her to audition for Thunderball. Initially intended for an Italian actress, the role of Domino was reconfigured to suit Auger, showcasing her talent. Despite taking English lessons, her dialogue was ultimately dubbed by Nikki van der Zyl. Thunderball marked the beginning of a flourishing career in European cinema, although it did not significantly elevate her profile in the United States.

Claudine Auger passed away on December 18, 2019, in her beloved Paris, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actress who made her mark in the film industry.