Even after more than three years without appearing on the big screen, Eva Green’s legend is still as strong as ever. “I still feel like an ugly duckling in this world,” she confesses. Just when she was poised to become the next big global star, Green decided to step away from Hollywood.

The introverted performer dislikes exposure and the glamour of Hollywood’s red carpet and photocalls. A Bond girl and Tim Burton’s muse, at 42 Eva Green is still a dame to kill for and the last great example of the quintessential cinematic femme fatale. It was a fitting tribute to celebrate her birthday and an unmistakable sign that the Casino Royale and Dreamers star has left her mark on an entire generation of viewers who grew up longing for the Parisian gothic beauty, with her black-lined blue eyes, pale skin, and jet-black hair. On July 6, Twitter users made her name a Trending Topic for the entire day. It doesn’t matter that almost 10 years have passed since the height of Eva Green’s popularity.