French actors who were born in 1901
Here are 11 famous actors from France were born in 1901:
Claude Autant-Lara
Claude Autant-Lara (August 5, 1901 Luzarches-February 5, 2000 Antibes) also known as Claude Moore, Claude Autant Lara, Claude Autant, C. Autant Lala, technical director or Autant-Lara was a French screenwriter, film director, actor, costume designer, film art director and production designer.
Autant-Lara started his career in the French movie industry working as an art director and set designer. He worked with some of the biggest names in French cinema including Rene Clair and Marcel Carné. He directed his first film in 1942 and went on to direct over 40 films in total.
Some of his most famous films include "Douce" (1943), "Le diable au corps" (1947), and "En cas de malheur" (1958). He was known for his ability to create complex characters and for his use of naturalistic lighting techniques. He was also known for his controversial films which often dealt with themes such as sexuality and politics.
Autant-Lara was a member of the French Resistance during World War II and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his efforts. He was a member of the Academy of Fine Arts and served as President of the Festival de Cannes in 1962. Despite his success in the film industry, Autant-Lara retired from filmmaking in 1962 and spent the rest of his life painting and writing.
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Maurice Dorléac
Maurice Dorléac (March 26, 1901 Paris-December 4, 1979 Paris) also known as Dorléac, Georges Maurice Edmond Dorléac or Maurice Dorleac was a French actor. His children are called Catherine Deneuve, Sylvie Dorléac and Françoise Dorléac.
Maurice Dorléac was born into a family of actors, so it was only natural that he followed in their footsteps. He made his debut on stage at the age of 18, and soon after landed his first film role in "Les Nuits Moscovites" (1929). Dorléac worked steadily throughout the 1930s and 1940s in a variety of films, specializing in comedic roles that showcased his charming personality and energetic presence.
In addition to his work on stage and screen, Dorléac also served in the French military during World War II, fighting against the German occupation of France. He was eventually captured and spent several years as a prisoner of war in Germany before being released at the end of the war.
Despite his success as an actor, Dorléac is perhaps best known as the father of three famous actresses: Catherine Deneuve, Sylvie Dorléac, and Françoise Dorléac. All three followed in their father's footsteps and became successful in the entertainment industry in their own right.
Maurice Dorléac remained active in films and on stage until his death in 1979 at the age of 78. He is remembered as a beloved actor and a proud father who left a lasting legacy in French cinema.
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Yves Deniaud
Yves Deniaud (December 11, 1901 Paris-December 7, 1959 Le Vésinet) a.k.a. Deniaud or Yves Hyacinthe Deniaud was a French actor.
Throughout his career, Yves Deniaud appeared in more than 70 films. He is best known for his comedic roles in films including "Les Aventures de Rabbi Jacob" and "La Vie à Deux". Deniaud began his career as a stage actor and also worked in radio before transitioning to film in the 1930s. In addition to acting, he also wrote screenplays for several films. Deniaud passed away in 1959 at the age of 57 due to cancer.
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Georges Chamarat
Georges Chamarat (March 30, 1901 Paris-November 21, 1982 Limeil-Brévannes) a.k.a. Alexis, George Chamarat, sociétaire de la Comédie Française Georges Chamarat, Georges Chamarat Sociétaire de la Comédie Française, Georges Chamarat de la Comédie Française, Chamarat or Chamarat Sociétaire de la Comédie Française was a French actor.
He began his acting career in the early 1920s, appearing in several stage productions before joining the Comédie Française in 1931, where he remained until 1958. Chamarat was known for his versatile range, playing both comedic and dramatic roles with equal skill. He also appeared in several French films throughout his career, notably in Marcel Carné's classic film "Les Enfants Terribles" (1950) and Jean Renoir's "Elena et les Hommes" (1956). In addition to his acting work, Chamarat was also a talented writer, penning several plays and radio scripts throughout his career. He was honored with several awards for his contributions to French theater, including the Legion of Honor in 1977. Chamarat passed away in 1982 at the age of 81.
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Jean Tarride
Jean Tarride (March 15, 1901 Paris-June 5, 1980 Hauts-de-Seine) also known as Jean Abel Robert Tarride was a French film director and actor.
He began his career as an actor in the 1920s and appeared in several French films. Tarride made his directorial debut with the 1932 film "Le Greluchon delices" and went on to direct many successful films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He worked closely with French film icon Jean Gabin and directed him in several films including "Gueule d'amour" (1937). Tarride's work was highly regarded and earned him critical acclaim, as well as commercial success. He continued to work in the film industry until the late 1960s. In addition to his work in film, Tarride was also an accomplished stage actor and director. He passed away in 1980 at the age of 79.
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Alexandre Rignault
Alexandre Rignault (February 14, 1901 Paris-March 31, 1985 Saint-Mandé) also known as Alexandre Paul Rignault or Alex Rignault was a French actor.
Rignault began his career in the theatre before transitioning to film in the early 1930s. He went on to appear in over 90 films, including notable roles in "Quai des Orfèvres" (1947) and "Le Trou" (1960). Rignault was also a prolific voice actor, providing the French dubbing for actors such as Humphrey Bogart and Laurence Olivier. In addition to his acting work, he was also a writer and director, and wrote several plays and screenplays during his career. Rignault was awarded the Legion of Honor in 1975 for his contributions to French cinema.
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Raymond Souplex
Raymond Souplex (June 1, 1901 Paris-November 22, 1972 Paris) also known as Raymond Guillermain was a French actor. He had one child, Perrette Souplex.
Raymond Souplex began his career as a musician and later transitioned to acting in the 1930s. He appeared in over 80 films throughout his career, including the beloved French comedy, "La Guerre des Boutons" (The War of the Buttons). He was also a prominent voice actor and lent his voice to various animated films and TV shows, including the French dub of Disney's "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" as the voice of Roger. Souplex was also a talented impressionist and imitated famous personalities such as Charles de Gaulle and Maurice Chevalier. He was awarded the Legion of Honor, one of France's highest honors, for his contributions to French culture.
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Vittorio De Sica
Vittorio De Sica (July 7, 1901 Sora-November 13, 1974 Neuilly-sur-Seine) otherwise known as V. De Sica, De Sica, Vittorio Domenico Stanislao Gaetano Sorano De Sica or Vittorio de Sica was a French film director, actor, screenwriter and film producer. He had three children, Christian De Sica, Manuel De Sica and Emi De Sica.
De Sica was born in Italy and started his career in the entertainment industry in the 1920s as a stage actor. He later transitioned into film, starring in a variety of silent films during the 1930s. De Sica became known for his roles in Italian Neorealism films during the 1940s and 1950s, including his acclaimed performances in "Bicycle Thieves" (1948) and "Umberto D." (1952).
In addition to acting, De Sica also directed and produced films, including the award-winning "Shoeshine" (1946) and "The Garden of the Finzi-Continis" (1970). He was a pioneer in Italian Neorealism, a film movement that emphasized realism and addressed social issues, and his work influenced many filmmakers around the world.
De Sica was a multi-talented artist who made a lasting impact on the film industry. He won several awards throughout his career, including four Academy Awards for his films "Shoeshine," "Bicycle Thieves," "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" and "Il giardino dei Finzi-Contini." Despite his international success, De Sica remained committed to addressing the social issues of his time through his work.
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Jean Boyer
Jean Boyer (June 26, 1901 Paris-March 10, 1965 Paris) a.k.a. Boyer, Jean was a French film director, screenwriter, songwriter, film producer, actor and film score composer.
Jean Boyer was born in Paris in 1901 and had an illustrious career in the French film industry. He began working in the industry as a screenwriter before transitioning to directing and producing films. Throughout his career, he directed over 100 films, and was known for his witty comedies and romantic dramas. In addition to his work behind the camera, Boyer was also a talented songwriter and composed music for many of his films. He acted in a handful of films as well, often making appearances in small roles. Boyer's films were popular in France and were also well-received internationally. He passed away in Paris in 1965, leaving behind a rich legacy in French film.
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Roland Armontel
Roland Armontel (December 21, 1901 Vimoutiers-March 8, 1980 Paris) a.k.a. Auguste Magnien or Auguste Louis Magnin was a French actor.
Armontel began his acting career in the 1920s with small roles in French silent films. He gained recognition in the 1930s for his work in films such as "Maria Chapdelaine" (1934) and "Mollenard" (1938). Armontel also appeared in Jean Cocteau's acclaimed film "La Belle et la Bête" (1946) as the character Avenant.
In addition to acting in films, Armontel also had a successful career on stage. He worked at the Théâtre de l'Œuvre and the Théâtre de la Madeleine, among others. Armontel continued to act in French films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Outside of his acting career, Armontel was known for his passion for aviation. He was a skilled pilot and served as an instructor during World War II. Armontel was also a member of the Aero-Club of France and the president of the Association of French Artist Pilots.
Armontel passed away in Paris in 1980 at the age of 78.
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René Sarvil
René Sarvil (January 18, 1901 Toulon-March 31, 1975 Marseille) otherwise known as Sarvil or René Ernest Antoine Crescenzo was a French actor and screenwriter.
He began his career on the stage, performing in comedies and drama productions. He made his film debut in 1932 and starred in over 50 films throughout his career. Sarvil was known for his comedic timing and often played supporting roles in popular French films.
In addition to his acting career, Sarvil was also a screenwriter, co-writing several films in which he starred. He also appeared on television, notably in the series "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" (The Last Five Minutes).
Sarvil was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor) in 1974, shortly before his death in 1975 at the age of 74. Despite his extensive career and contributions to French cinema, Sarvil often remains lesser known among international audiences.
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