Olivia de Havilland honored by French president

PARIS — Oscar-winning actress Olivia de Havilland, whose memorable performance in “Gone With The Wind” still touches hearts 70 years later, was awarded the Legion of Honor on Thursday by the president of France.

At 94, de Havilland looked radiant as Nicolas Sarkozy pinned her with the insignia of the chevalier, or knight, of the Legion of Honor at a ceremony at the presidential palace. Sarkozy told de Havilland that “you honor France for having chosen us.” The American actress of British origin has lived in Paris since 1953.

De Havilland played the role of fragile Southern belle Melanie Wilkes in “Gone With The Wind” and is the last surviving major star of the 1939 classic. Her performance in another movie, “To Each His Own” in 1946, gave her a first Oscar.

Also honored at the ceremony was actress Jacqueline Bisset, 65. The Associated Press

Originally Published: September 9, 2010 at 4:36 PM MDT