Joan Fontaine was an American actress born on October 22, 1917, in Tokyo, Japan. She gained fame in the 1940s for her roles in films such as Rebecca and Suspicion, the latter earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Fontaine was known for her delicate beauty and ability to portray complex characters. Throughout her career, she appeared in over 30 films and worked with notable directors like Alfred Hitchcock. Fontaine's performances often showcased her talent for suspenseful and dramatic roles. She continued acting into her later years, leaving a lasting legacy in classic Hollywood cinema.