Julie Delpy is a French-American actress, screenwriter, director, and composer whose career spans decades and continents. Known for her intellectual storytelling, feminist voice, and cross-cultural artistry, she has become one of the most distinctive figures in international cinema.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julie Delpy |
| Date of Birth | December 21, 1969 |
| Age | 55 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Paris, France |
| Nationality | French-American |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | 59 kg (130 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Profession | Actress, Screenwriter, Director, Composer |
| Spouse | Dimitris Birbilis (m. 2015) |
| Children | Leo Streitenfeld (b. 2009) |
Early Life and Family Background
Born on December 21, 1969, in Paris, France, Julie Delpy was raised in a household steeped in artistic and political consciousness. Her father, Albert Delpy, is a respected actor and director, while her mother, Marie Pillet, was a feminist activist and actress. Growing up as an only child, Julie was surrounded by avant-garde theater, cinema, and intellectual debate, which deeply influenced her creative identity.
Multicultural Heritage and Upbringing
From a young age, Julie Delpy was immersed in French cinema, visual arts, and philosophy. Her parents introduced her to Ingmar Bergman films and Francis Bacon paintings, nurturing her appreciation for emotional complexity and existential themes. This early exposure helped shape her feminist ideals, individualism, and artistic freedom, all of which would later define her work.
Education and Artistic Foundations
Delpy’s passion for filmmaking led her to the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where she studied directing and screenwriting. Before formally enrolling, she took a summer course in New York that solidified her desire to create stories from behind the camera. Her early interest in writing, directing, and composing music gave her a multidimensional approach to storytelling.
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
At just 14, Julie Delpy was discovered by Jean-Luc Godard, who cast her in Détective (1985). She gained critical acclaim for her role in La Passion Béatrice (1987), earning a César Award nomination for Most Promising Actress. Her international breakthrough came with Europa Europa (1990), where she portrayed a young woman unknowingly in love with a Jewish boy hiding from the Nazis. The film’s success introduced her to global audiences.
Hollywood Transition and International Recognition
In 1990, Delpy moved to the United States and became an American citizen in 2001. She starred in a mix of Hollywood genre films and European arthouse projects, including The Three Musketeers (1993), Killing Zoe (1994), and An American Werewolf in Paris (1997). Her ability to navigate both cinematic worlds showcased her versatility and cross-cultural appeal.
The Before Trilogy and Screenwriting Acclaim
One of Delpy’s most iconic roles is Céline in Richard Linklater’s Before Trilogy: Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), and Before Midnight (2013). She co-wrote the latter two films with Ethan Hawke and Linklater, earning two Academy Award nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay. The trilogy is celebrated for its naturalistic dialogue, emotional realism, and evolving character arcs, with Delpy’s writing praised for its intellectual depth and authenticity.
Directorial Work and Creative Control
Determined to tell her own stories, Julie Delpy wrote, directed, and starred in 2 Days in Paris (2007) and its sequel 2 Days in New York (2012). These films blend autobiographical elements, biting humor, and feminist commentary. She also directed The Countess (2009), a historical drama about Elizabeth Báthory, as well as Lolo (2015) and My Zoe (2019). Her directorial work is known for its emotional honesty, satirical edge, and creative independence.
Music and Other Creative Pursuits
In addition to acting and directing, Julie Delpy is a talented musician. She released a self-titled album in 2003, blending folk, pop, and melancholic tones. Several of her songs were featured in her films, including Before Sunset and 2 Days in Paris. Her music adds another layer of personal expression to her cinematic work, reinforcing her identity as a multi-hyphenate artist.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Julie Delpy is 55 years old. She stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs approximately 59 kilograms (130 lbs). With her green eyes, blonde hair, and petite frame, she exudes a distinctive French charm. Her natural beauty and intellectual aura have made her a standout presence in both European and American cinema.
Relationships and Personal Life
Delpy’s personal life has often drawn media attention. She was previously in relationships with Jack Nicholson, Adam Goldberg, and Marc Streitenfeld, with whom she shares a son, Leo Streitenfeld, born in 2009. In 2015, she married Dimitris Birbilis, a Greek assistant director. She currently divides her time between Los Angeles and Paris, maintaining a private yet creatively rich lifestyle.
Personality, Beliefs, and Public Voice
Known for being outspoken, intellectual, and unapologetically feminist, Julie Delpy is a vocal advocate for gender equality and creative autonomy. She often challenges industry norms, speaking candidly about pay inequality and representation. Her work reflects her philosophical interests, dark humor, and emotional transparency, making her a powerful voice in contemporary cinema.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Julie Delpy is celebrated for bridging French and American cinema with a voice that is both personal and universal. As an actor, writer, director, and composer, she has redefined what it means to be a female auteur in a male-dominated industry. Her influence continues to grow, inspiring a new generation of artists to embrace authentic storytelling and cross-cultural narratives.
Conclusion
From her early days in Parisian theater circles to her rise as a global cinematic force, Julie Delpy has built a career defined by intellect, integrity, and artistic courage. Whether she’s acting in a romantic drama, directing a satirical comedy, or composing a haunting melody, she brings a singular vision to everything she touches. Her legacy is not just in the films she’s made—but in the freedom she’s claimed to make them on her own terms.
FAQs
Who is Julie Delpy?
Julie Delpy is a French-American actress, screenwriter, and director known for her roles in Before Sunrise, 2 Days in Paris, and Europa Europa. She is also a composer and filmmaker.
How old is Julie Delpy? She was born on December 21, 1969, which makes her 55 years old as of 2025.
What is Julie Delpy best known for?
She gained international acclaim for co-writing and starring in the Before Trilogy with Ethan Hawke, earning two Oscar nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Has Julie Delpy directed any films?
Yes, she wrote and directed several films including 2 Days in Paris, The Countess, Lolo, and My Zoe, often blending humor with feminist themes.
Is Julie Delpy also a musician?
She released a self-titled music album in 2003 and composed songs for her films, including Before Sunset and 2 Days in Paris.
Where did Julie Delpy study filmmaking?
She studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she focused on directing and screenwriting.
Who are Julie Delpy’s parents?
Her father is actor-director Albert Delpy, and her mother was actress and feminist activist Marie Pillet.
Does Julie Delpy have children?
Yes, she has a son named Leo Streitenfeld, born in 2009 with composer Marc Streitenfeld.
What languages does Julie Delpy speak?
She is fluent in French, English, and Italian, which has allowed her to work across international film industries.
Where does Julie Delpy live now?
She currently splits her time between Los Angeles and Paris, balancing her work in both American and European cinema.
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