Charlotte Rampling Biography: Tessa Charlotte Rampling OBE born 5 February 1946 is a renowned English actress and former model. A prominent figure of the Swinging Sixties, she began her career in modeling before transitioning to film, gaining early recognition for her role as Meredith in Georgy Girl (1966), alongside Lynn Redgrave.
Charlotte Rampling Biography
Tessa Charlotte Rampling was born on 5 February 1946 in Sturmer, England, to Isabel Anne (née Gurteen), a painter, and Godfrey Lionel Rampling, an Olympic gold medalist and high-ranking army officer who later served as a NATO commander. She received her education at Jeanne d’Arc Académie pour Jeunes Filles in Versailles, France, and later attended the prestigious St. Hilda’s School in Bushey, England.
Charlotte Rampling Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Tessa Charlotte Rampling
5 February 1946 Sturmer, Essex, England
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|---|---|
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1963–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouses |
Bryan Southcombe (m. 1972; div. 1976)
Jean-Michel Jarre (m. 1978; div. 1997)
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| Partner(s) | Jean-Noël Tassez (1998–2015; his death) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Godfrey Rampling (father) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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Charlotte Rampling Personal Life
Before launching her acting career, Rampling worked as a model. She made her film debut in Richard Lester’s The Knack… and How to Get It (1965), and gained further attention with roles in Georgy Girl (1966) and Luchino Visconti’s The Damned (1969). She is perhaps most famously known for her provocative performance in Liliana Cavani’s The Night Porter (1974), portraying a Holocaust survivor who is reunited with her former Nazi captor, played by Dirk Bogarde.
About Charlotte Rampling
Tessa Charlotte Rampling OBE is an English actress. An icon of the Swinging Sixties, she began her career as a model. She was cast in the role of Meredith in the 1966 film Georgy Girl, which starred Lynn Redgrave.
Charlotte Rampling Achievements
Rampling quickly became known for her work in French and Italian arthouse cinema, starring in notable films such as Luchino Visconti’s The Damned (1969) and Liliana Cavani’s The Night Porter (1974). Her career spans both European and English-language films, with key roles in Stardust Memories (1980), The Verdict (1982), Long Live Life (1984), and The Wings of the Dove (1997).
Charlotte Rampling Wiki
- Born: 5 February 1946 (age 79 years), Sturmer, United Kingdom
- Children: David Jarre, Barnaby Southcombe
- Spouse: Jean-Michel Jarre (m. 1978–1998), Bryan Southcombe (m. 1972–1976)
- Siblings: Sarah Rampling
- Parents: Godfrey Rampling, Isabel Anne Gurteen
Early Life
Tessa Rampling was born in 1946 in Sturmer, Essex, to Isabel Anne (née Gurteen; 1918–2001), a painter, and Godfrey Rampling (1909–2009), an Olympic gold medalist runner and British Army officer. She spent much of her childhood living in Gibraltar, France, and Spain before returning to the United Kingdom in 1964.
She attended the Académie Jeanne d’Arc in Versailles, France, and later went to St Hilda’s School, a boarding school in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England. Tessa had a sister named Sarah, with whom she shared a close bond. The two even performed together in a cabaret act during their youth. Tragically, Sarah died by suicide in 1967 at the age of 23.
Key Details
- Full Name: Tessa Charlotte Rampling
- Date of Birth: February 5, 1946
- Place of Birth: Sturmer, Essex, England
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Actress, Model, Singer
- Years Active: 1963–present
- Partner: Jean-Noël Tassez (1998–2015; his passing)
- Children: 2
- Notable Works: The Night Porter, 45 Years, Swimming Pool
- Net Worth: $15 million
Charlotte Rampling Family Background
Charlotte Rampling was born to Isabel Anne (née Gurteen), a painter, and Godfrey Rampling, an Olympic gold medalist runner and British Army officer. Due to her father’s military career, the family lived in several countries including Gibraltar, France, and Spain before returning to the UK in 1964. She attended Académie Jeanne d’Arc in Versailles and St Hilda’s School in Bushey, Hertfordshire. The tragic suicide of her older sister Sarah in 1966, at age 23, deeply affected her.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Rampling first gained recognition as a model and became a Swinging Sixties icon. Her acting debut was in “The Knack …and How to Get It” (1965), but she earned wider acclaim with her role as Meredith in “Georgy Girl” (1966). She later embraced European cinema, starring in Luchino Visconti’s “The Damned” (1969) and Liliana Cavani’s provocative “The Night Porter” (1974), where she portrayed a concentration camp survivor entangled in a complex relationship with her former captor.
Notable Works and Achievements
Her distinguished career includes performances in Woody Allen’s “Stardust Memories” (1980), Sidney Lumet’s “The Verdict” (1982), and François Ozon’s “Swimming Pool” (2003). Rampling received critical acclaim and multiple awards for “45 Years” (2015), including the Berlin Film Festival Best Actress Award, the European Film Award, and an Academy Award nomination. In 2017, she won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for “Hannah.”
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
Rampling remains a captivating presence in cinema, with recent roles in “Red Sparrow” (2018) and “Benedetta” (2021). She portrayed Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam in Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” (2021) and is set to reprise this role in the upcoming “Dune: Part Two” (2024). Her enduring appeal spans both independent and mainstream films, showcasing her adaptability and dedication.
Personal Life and Relationships
Rampling married actor Bryan Southcombe in 1972, and they had a son, Barnaby, before divorcing in 1976. She then married French composer Jean-Michel Jarre, with whom she had another son, David. Their marriage ended in 1996. From 1998 until his death in 2015, she was partnered with French journalist Jean-Noël Tassez.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
Fluent in French, Rampling has appeared in numerous French films and was awarded France’s Legion of Honour in 2002. That same year, she released a cabaret-style album titled “Like a Woman.” Her 2017 autobiography, “Who I Am,” provides a candid look at her life and career.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Rampling supports various charitable causes, particularly the arts and mental health awareness, inspired by her sister’s tragic death. She is widely respected as a fearless actress who embraces challenging and controversial roles, leaving a lasting influence on audiences and fellow performers alike.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
With projects like “Dune: Part Two” on the horizon, Rampling continues to be a vital force in modern cinema. Beyond film, she influences fashion and popular culture with her distinctive style and unwavering passion for her craft.
Charlotte Rampling Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Charlotte Rampling’s net worth is estimated at $15 million, built through her extensive acting career, modeling work, and endorsements. Despite her success, she leads a grounded life, often choosing challenging and artistically fulfilling roles.
FAQs
What are some of Charlotte Rampling’s most acclaimed film roles?
Charlotte Rampling is best known for her roles in films such as The Night Porter, 45 Years, Swimming Pool, Stardust Memories, and The Verdict. She has received critical acclaim and numerous awards for her performances, including an Academy Award nomination for 45 Years.
How did Charlotte Rampling begin her career?
Rampling started as a model in the 1960s before transitioning to acting. Her film debut was in The Knack …and How to Get It (1965), and she gained wider recognition with Georgy Girl (1966).
What is Charlotte Rampling’s connection to France?
She spent part of her childhood in France, attended the Académie Jeanne d’Arc in Versailles, and is fluent in French. She has appeared in many French films and was awarded the Legion of Honour by France in 2002.
Has Charlotte Rampling written any books?
Yes, she published an autobiography titled Who I Am in 2017, which offers insights into her life, career, and personal experiences.
What impact did Charlotte Rampling’s family have on her life?
Her father was an Olympic gold medalist and British Army officer, leading the family to live in various countries. The tragic death of her sister Sarah had a profound emotional impact on her and influenced her charitable work in mental health awareness.
What upcoming projects does Charlotte Rampling have?
She is set to reprise her role as Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam in Dune: Part Two (2024), continuing her significant presence in both independent and mainstream cinema.