Emmanuelle

Emmanuelle is the lead character in a series of French erotic films based on the main character in the novel Emmanuelle, created by Emmanuelle Arsan, which was written in 1959 and published in 1967.

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Emmanuelle
Emmanuelle character
Photo of Sylvia Kristel used to promote the 1974 film Emmanuelle
First appearance	Emmanuelle (1967 novel)
Created by	Emmanuelle Arsan
Portrayed by	Sylvia Kristel (1974-1984, 1993) Monique Gabrielle (1987) Natalie Uher (1988) Noémie Merlant (2024)
In-universe information
Gender	Female
Spouse	Jean
Children	Diana, Emily, Eve-Ladah
Nationality	French

Emmanuelle originated as a pen name for Marayat Rollet-Andriane, a French-Thai actress who wrote a book in 1957 called The Joys of a Woman, which detailed the sexual exploits of a bored housewife. The first Emmanuelle film debuted in 1974 and starred Sylvia Kristel, who became synonymous with the role. The film embraced its X-rating and became a success, with an estimated audience of 300 million. It remains one of France's most successful films. Several sequels followed, with Kristel reprising her role. Unofficial productions, spinoffs, and a video game also emerged, capitalizing on the Emmanuelle craze. The explicit content in the films varied from softcore to full hardcore, though no penetration or oral sex made it to public versions.