Claudette Colbert

Social Study

From Cleopatra to It Happened One Night, Claudette Colbert defined the leading lady. Now, from her legendary Barbados retreat, she answers V.F.'s Proust Questionnaire and reflects back on the Hollywood century and her own extraordinary career

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My Oscar, or still being here at 92.

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to turn back the clock.

What is your greatest regret?

At the moment, not to be working.

What is your most marked characteristic?

The left side of my face.

Who was your favorite leading man?

Gary Cooper.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Darling.

When and where were you happiest?

With my husband Jack Pressman in Holmby Hills.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Living in Barbados at my home Bellerive by the sea.

What is your favorite journey?

To Bellerive.

What is your most treasured possession?

My beautiful Bellerive.

What is it that you most dislike?

Not having sorbet every day.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Perfectionism.

What is your greatest fear?

Being alone.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Illness.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

A sense of humor.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

A sense of wit.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty and honesty.

Who is your favorite writer?

Colette.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Snoopy.

Who are your heroes in real life?

My friends.

What is your favorite name?

Tiger Lily, the name of the cat who adopted me.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

Cleopatra.

When would you like to die?

Not until at least the year 2000.

What is your motto?

To see the 21st century.