Michael Ventura - Pauly

Viviane's father, Michael Ventura-Pauly was in the RAF, during WWII, then part of the Secret English Intelligence Service. He was born in Durban South Africa. Viviane Ventura's grand parents were born in Smyrna, Turkey. Sephardic Jews who originated from Cordoba, Spain dating back to the Spanish Inquisition. Her father and grand parents moved to Cuba, then on the Colombia, South America, where the family set up the first National Pharmaceutical laboratory, Lafrancol, that today is among the First three National Pharmaceutical Laboratories of Colombia.

Viviane's mother, Barbara Burin, was born in Derby, North England. She was Miss England in 1939, then she joined the War effort as a landing officer at Biggin Hill airport, where most flights on bombing missions to France came into landing. It was there that she met Michael Ventura when he was landing his plane on one of those missions.

Viviane Ventura was born in London, England, on the 5th of December 1945. She was a "Baby Boomer". Soon after her birth, Viviane, with her parents moved to settle in Colombia.
Viviane lived in Medellin for a short period, where her brother, Michael Ventura Jr. was born two years later, then the family moved to Barranquilla, then Cali and finally settled in Bogota.

CLASS OF 59
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At 16, Viviane did a season in repertory, three months during the summer holidays, in Colchester as an ASM (Assistant Stage Manager), as a Stand-in for ALL female parts, as the Set Designer in their weekly plays.

Viviane finally got her big break. After reading and screen testing, against all odds, and with very tough competition she landed the part of Margaret in High Wind in Jamaica; a Twenty Century Fox, produced by Elmo Williams, under the supervision of Daryl Zanuck, starring Anthony Quinn as the pirate. This was the best experience Viviane could have, and her first big Hollywood film.
Viviane with Jasmine and Sheherazade
Viviane moved to Rome where she appeared in three Italian films. While in Rome Viviane got an offer from Twenty Century Fox, a seven year contract and to move to Hollywood.

While in Hollywood Viviane met and married a dashingly handsome Irish film producer, who also had land developments in Jamaica, Frank Duggan. Returning to live in England, she broke her 7 year contract with 20th Century Fox.

In 1968, leap year and leap day her first daughter Jasmine Joanna was born. Sadly her marriage was over after three years. She threw herself into her acting career making several films and TV shows. She learned Photography, Viviane already spoke English, French, Italian and Spanish, she also learnt during that period Arabic and German. She travelled the World, from Egypt to Israel, Persia , Jordan, Lebanon, South Africa, Hongkong, India and many more.
Viviane became Socially connected all over the World. Her life was an International Whirwind, for herself and taking Jasmine with her every where she travelled to.

In 1972 she met the then handsome and very debonair English Financier John Bentley, they fell in love and although they did not marry a second daughter was born in 1974, her beloved Sheherazade.
When Jhon Bentley and Viviane separated, that is when Viviane's life was to change for ever.

Viviane with Jasmine and Sheherazade

Viviane's Hobbies include: Golf, Riding, Tennis, Snow Skiing, Scuba - diving.
Viviane's mother, Barbara, lives in London. Viviane's brother, Michael Ventura-Pauly is a jeweler in London, England.

Jasmine Joanna Duggan.
Jasmine went to the Lycee Francais, then on to the Arts Educational School in Tring.
Since she left school she has worked in public relations all over the world. She speaks Spanish, English, French and Italian.

Hobbies: Singing, Snow-Skiing, Golf and Scuba diving.
She is at present Director of Public relations for the forth comming Miami International Music Festival due to happen in March 2003.
Jasmine is married to Joe Robinson , CEO of "It's a Small World ", they have a beautiful baby boy, Jessie , and they live in New York.

Sheherazade as well as being a home maker has taken an interest in helping to promote "Healthy Living" and "Healthy Eating" and promoting Organic produces.
She has just published a wonderful book, "A SLICE OF ORGANIC LIFE " with the forward from Alice Waters - published by DK Publishing. It is a complete guide on how to lead an Ecological life .

Viviane started acting at a young age. Her first big part was in High Wind in Jamaica, as Margaret; a Twenty Century Fox, produced by Elmo Williams, under the supervision of Daryl Zanuck, starring Anthony Quinn as the pirate.

Film career and TV career:

Viviane then appeared in three Italian Films:

- "Parliamo Di Donne" with Vittorio Gassman
- "Un Italiano a Varsavia" with Antonio Schifariello
- "Il Cornuto" with Lando Buzzanca

Viviane has also appeared on TV Series:

- "Sins" (1986)
- "Docteur Caraïbes" (1973)
- "Doomwatch" - The Killer Dolphins (1972)
- "The Persuaders!" - Nuisance Value (1972)
- "I Spy" - The Lotus Eater (1967)
- "Get Smart" - Ship of Spies: Part 1 (1966)
- "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." - The Foreign Legion Affair (1966)
- "The Wild Wild West" - The Night of the Torture Chamber (1965)
- "The Loner" - The Oath (1965)
- "The Saint" - The Spanish Cow (1965)

and in the films:

- Battle Beneath the Earth (1967)
- Finders Keepers (1966)
- Promise Her Anything (1965)
- Return from the Ashes (1965)
- A High Wind in Jamaica (1965)
- Lord Jim (1965) (uncredited)
- Carry on Jack (1963)

Other Films: