World War II was horrible in a lot of ways, and for a lot of people. For Parisians, the war meant four years of German occupation, ending with the city’s liberation in 1944.
That context is important to remember when looking at this photo essay by NIna Leen about aspiring actress Barbara Laage, which appeared in the June 3, 1946 issue of the magazine. This 25-year-old may look like she is living the life of a young bohemian, but she was also one of many attempting to get herself back on track after the war. Laage had fled Paris during the German occupation, and now she was back home and looking to thrive rather than just survive. Or as LIFE put it:
Basically the story of Barbara Laage…is the universal story of an ambitious young career girl. But in this particular case, however, it takes on the complexion of a social document, showing how postwar Paris is living by its wits and keeping up its spirits.
Laage was promising enough of a prospect that when Leen followed her around, the world was already opening up for her. Stylists and clothing designers were giving free services to the up-and-coming stage actress. And this story would not be the last time Laage was photographed for LIFE. Nina Leen also used Laage as a model for a story on swimsuit fashions, and photographed her again when Laage came to the United States to further her acting career. Pictures from those shoots are included in this collection.
It was just the beginning for Laage, who collected 45 film and television credits in the United States and Europe, even sharing the screen with Paul Newman in her supporting role in the 1961 film Paris Blues, an American movie that was a love letter to her old hometown.
Young actress Barbara Laage exercised at a rooftop gymnasium in Paris, 1946.
Nina Leen/LIfe Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage enjoyed ice cream in Paris, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage in her Paris apartment, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage in her Paris apartment, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage in Paris, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
The Paris apartment of Barbara Laage was crammed with books, mostly having to do with the theater, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Barbara Laage received instruction from a more veteran actor, Maurice Escande, backstage at a Paris theater, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage rode her bicycle to work in Paris, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage arrived at the theater where she was appearing in a play, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Barbara Laage sang in a show called “Quatre Rues,” Paris, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage counted out her relatively meager pay after a performance, Paris, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage tried on a dress lent to her by the dressmaker Rochas, while her boyfriend held a mirror for her, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage received free hairdos in exchange for letting the salon use her image for publicity purposes, Paris, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage with dramatist Leopold Marchand, who was writing a play for her, Paris, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage at a dinner to which friends are treating her, Paris, 1946.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage perused a write-up about her at a Paris newsstand, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
Actress Barbara Laage, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
French actress Barbara Laage wearing makeshift two-piece bathing suit she cut from one yard of cloth, wading in surf, 1946.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
French actress Barbara Laage in New York City, 1946.
Nina LeenLife Picture Collection/Shutterstock
French actress Barbara Laage in New York City, 1946.
Nina Leen/Life Picture Collection/Shutterstock
