Sylvia Kristel, Erotic Star Of 'Emmanuelle', Dies Aged 60

End Of An Erotic Era: 'Emmanuelle' Star Dies
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It's the end of an erotic era, with the death of 'Emmanuelle' star Sylvia Kristel, aged 60.

The Dutch actress, who became famous after starring in the 1974 film as a sexually promiscuous housewife, had cancer and was admitted to hospital in July after suffering a stroke.

Her agent Marieke Verharen told the AFP news agency: "She died during the night during her sleep."

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Sylvia Kristel at Cannes Film Festival in 1974

'Emmanuelle', which was given a restricted X-rating in the UK, told the story of a beautiful young model who lived in Bangkok together with her older husband Jean... both were very tolerant in the matters of extramarital affairs.

Kristel herself began her career as a model before landing the role and she went on to make a string of sequels to 'Emmanuelle' and built on her reputation as a sex icon with similar roles in movies including 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' and 'Mata Hari'.