Jarunee Suksawat (Thai: จารุณี สุขสวัสดิ์; born February 12, 1962), also known by her French name Caroline Desneiges, is a Thai actress and businesswoman. She has been called "Action Queen of Thailand" and is best known for her hundreds of appearances in action movies in the 1970s and 80s.[1]
Jarunee Suksawat | |
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จารุณี สุขสวัสดิ์ | |
| Born | (1962-02-12) February 12, 1962 (age 60) Bangkok, Thailand |
| Other names |
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| Education | Bachelor of Social Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Thailand |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1977–present |
| Known for | Thai action films (1970s–1980s) |
Suksawat was born to a Thai mother, Rabiab Suksawat, and a French father, Ferdinand Desneiges, who abandoned her since she was at a young age. Her grandmother helped raising Suksawat as a single mother in low-income housing.[1][2] Suksawat attended Bang Kapi School, followed by a vocational course at Chao Phraya Commercial, and finally receiving a Bachelor's degree in Social Science from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University and a Master's degree in Cosmetical Sciences from Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand.[citation needed]
Suksawat did not meet her father until 2000, shortly before his death.
Suksawat starred in hundreds of films and was known as the "action movie queen",[1] although she had no training in martial arts.[2] She began acting in films in 1977, first in Sawasdee Khun Kroo and then in Rak Laew Raw Noi with popular actor Sorapong Chatree.[1] She was a protégé of director Promsin Sibunruang.[3]
In 1980, she starred in the drama film Baan Sai Thong, directed by Ruj Ronnapop and later in the sequel Pojjaman Sawangwong, seen as a breakthrough role.[1] Before that, she said was typecast as a tomboy.[2]
She left acting in the mid 1980s after being injured while filming, but occasionally returns to acting, including in the 2008 film Queens of Langkasuka directed by Nonzee Nimibutr,[1] her first role in ten years. She had turned down a number of previous offers and found it difficult to return to filming.[2]
In 2013, she received the Lotus Award for lifetime achievement from the World Film Festival of Bangkok.[1]
Suksawat runs an alternative health and beauty products company, Thaidham Alliance.[1][2] She was on the steering committee of the 2011 conference of the International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists.[4]
As a protege of local filmmaker Promsin Sibunruang, Jarunee became a film star a few years ago