Nathalie Baye, a revered French actress known for her extensive career spanning over five decades, has passed away at the age of 77. Her family informed Agence France-Presse that Baye died on Friday evening at her home in Paris due to complications related to Lewy body dementia.

Born on July 6, 1948, in Mainneville, Normandy, Baye honed her craft at the Conservatoire national supérieur d’art dramatique in Paris before commencing her film career in the early 1970s. She quickly became a pivotal figure in French cinema, garnering four César Awards throughout her distinguished career.

Her early collaborations included working with acclaimed directors such as François Truffaut in “Day for Night” and Jean-Luc Godard in “Every Man for Himself.” Baye also starred in significant French films like “The Return of Martin Guerre” and “Venus Beauty Institute,” solidifying her status in her home country.

Internationally, Nathalie Baye gained recognition for several notable roles. She appeared in the Emmy-winning television film “And the Band Played On,” which depicted the early challenges of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Many international audiences particularly remember her for her role in Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can,” where she played the mother of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, sharing the screen with stars like Christopher Walken and Tom Hanks.

More recently, Baye made an appearance in “Downton Abbey: A New Era,” alongside Maggie Smith in one of her final film roles. She also had a memorable guest appearance in the French series “Call My Agent!,” where she appeared with her daughter, Laura Smet, who is also gaining international attention with an upcoming role in “The White Lotus.” Nathalie Baye is survived by her daughter, Laura Smet, and her family.