Simone Silva (15 August 1928 – 30 November 1957) was an Egyptian-born French film actress who appeared in a handful of British B-movies during the 1950s. Silva, who was once quoted as saying she would "do anything" to get in the newspapers, was known however less for her acting than for her voluptuous figure and shameless publicity-seeking activities. She briefly made global headlines following a notorious incident at the 1954 Cannes Film Festival where she posed topless with Robert Mitchum for photographers, causing a sensation when the photographs were flashed around the world.
[Being interviewed about her dinner with ex-king Farouk]: I knew that would get in the papers! But it was fun. I met him one Night in Rome and he asked to be introduced. I agreed, but i was very careful... I greeted him as his one last loyal subject. He liked that. We dined in beautiful places and talked in French, Italian, Arabic and English. When I left for England he sent me a huge bunch of red roses. He's a big, fat wealthy man, but not very much like a king, I'm afraid.
2
[Two years after the Cannes frenzy]: The truth is... It was Bob Mitchum who took off my top. I just felt a tug from behind and it was gone. He wouldn't give it back. What could i do? Except cover myself with my hands... ...It (the truth) doesn't really matter now.
3
I'm the bad girl of British films. I'm the naughty, the nasty, the vamp.
4
I always chase men in the pictures. Why, oh why can't they chase me?
5
[After her Cannes famous incident]: The photographers got down on their knees to plead with me to take the top off,
6
As long as sex is box-office and I keep my figure, I'm out to be the sexiest thing on two legs.
7
On her Cannes stunt in 1954: I thought it would be good for me to be photographed with Bob Mitchum that way.
8
I would do anything for publicity.
9
America has always been my dream.
10
I suppose I was impatient to get to the top too quickly.
11
My Hollywood bubble has burst.
12
Commenting on her famous topless stunt in 1954: I thought would help my career. I wanted to go to Hollywood - and after all Marilyn Monroe became famous after she posed (in the) nude for a calendar. What was the harm in it?
13
I believe in myself, and I believe in my luck.
14
When you're worked up in a part you don't mind what you do. It all comes naturally. But I'd prefer nude scenes to be a bit hazy, rather the way Martine Carrol does.
15
I simply can't say no to doing pin-ups. They brought me my first movie chance. I plugged my bust line and oh, the fans I got.
16
Luck has usually been on my side and I have tremendous faith in my own ability. I know that something will happen at any time, any place. I will seize that chance when it comes.
17
All I want to do is act.
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Fact
1
Died in her flat, on Brook Street, in the central London district of Mayfair.
2
During the 50's, lived in a glamorous flat on "Adam and Eve Mews" Street, Kensington (district), in London.
3
Posed for Playboy simulating the famous Salome's dance of the seven veils.
4
A pioneer of topless exposure on the Riviera.
5
British painter Arnold Henry Mason (1885-1963) made a beautiful portrait (oil on canvas) of her titled "Young woman with a fan, the late Simone Silva".
6
Famous for her topless scene beside Robert Mitchum at Cannes Film Festival in 1954, a very photographed and commented self-promotion.
$700,000
