It's a sad day for Skinema lovers all over the world as we bid farewell to sexploitation legend Sylvia Kristel.
A beauty queen in her native Holland, Sylvia first became famous for her fantastically nude role as the original Emmanuelle (1974). One of the first erotic films to be shown in mainstream theaters, Emmanuelle was a massive success that went on to play in one Parisian cinema for a staggering 11 years. She returned for the sequels Emmanuelle 2 (1975), Good-bye, Emmanuelle (1977), and Emmanuelle IV (1984).
As the slinky, supple embodiment of '80s Euro eroticism, Sylvia went on to star as the legendary seductress Mata Hari (1985) and as a sexually adventurous housewife in Lady Chatterley's Lover (1981). She then brought her heaving hills to Hollywood for parts in the skin classics Private Lessons (1981) and Private School (1983), although personal problems eventually brought her career to a standstill.
Sylvia was diagnosed with cancer this past July, and her agent Marieke Verharen tells the AFP news agency that ""she died during the night during her sleep."
Good-bye, Emmanuelle. You will be missed.
Celebrate the life and career of Mr. Skin Hall-of-Famer Sylvia Kristel right here at MrSkin.com
