French actors who were born in 1920
Here are 26 famous actors from France were born in 1920:
Jean Pélégri
Jean Pélégri (June 20, 1920 Bougara-September 24, 2003 Paris) also known as Jean Pélégrit or Jean Pelegrit was a French writer, screenwriter, actor and teacher.
Pélégri is best known for his literary works which explored human emotions and relationships. His notable works include "La vie sans la mort", "Les hommes coulent", and "Le Pigeonnier". He also wrote several screenplays for films such as "Les Enfants Terribles" and "Diary of a Chambermaid". In addition to his writing career, Pélégri was also a respected educator and taught French language and literature in Algeria, France and Lebanon. Later in his life, he suffered from Alzheimer's disease and passed away at the age of 83 in Paris.
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Yves Robert
Yves Robert (June 19, 1920 Saumur-May 10, 2002 Paris) was a French screenwriter, film director, actor and film producer. He had two children, Jean-Denis Robert and Anne Robert.
Yves Robert began his career in acting, appearing in films such as "Les vacances de Monsieur Hulot" and "Le Miroir à deux faces". He then went on to direct and produce films, with his most notable works including "La Guerre des Boutons" and "Le Grand Blond avec une chaussure noire". He was known for his ability to capture the essence of childhood in his films, often casting young actors in lead roles. In addition to his work in film, Robert was a passionate advocate for the preservation of French culture and landmarks. He was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1997.
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Jacques Charon
Jacques Charon (February 27, 1920 Paris-October 15, 1975 Paris) also known as Jacques Charon de la Comédie Française, Jacques Charon Sociétaire de la Comédie Française, Jacques Charron or Jacques Charron de la Comédie Française was a French film director and actor.
Charon began his career as an actor and became a member of the Comédie Française in 1946, where he played many leading roles in classic French plays. He was known for his distinctive way of delivering lines with great timing and a subtle touch of humor. In addition to his stage work, Charon appeared in over 20 films and TV series, including "La Grande Vadrouille" and "Les Bons Vivants."
In the late 1950s, Charon began directing plays and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled director. He went on to direct several successful productions at the Comédie Française, including Molière's "Le Malade Imaginaire" and Marivaux's "Le Jeu de l'Amour et du Hasard." Charon was also a successful opera director and worked with many renowned opera singers and composers.
Despite his success as a director, Charon never lost his passion for acting and continued to perform throughout his career. He received critical acclaim for his performance in "L'Avare" at the Comédie Française in the early 1970s. Charon died in 1975 at the age of 55. His legacy as an actor and director continues to inspire new generations of performers in France and beyond.
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Boris Vian
Boris Vian (March 10, 1920 Ville-d'Avray-June 23, 1959 Paris) a.k.a. Vernon Sullivan, Vian, Boris, Dr. Boris Vian, Bison Ravi, Baron Visi or Brisavion was a French singer, journalist, playwright, writer, engineer and actor. He had one child, Patrick Vian.
Boris Vian was a multi-talented artist who actively participated in the avant-garde cultural scene in France after World War II. He is often associated with the existentialist movement and the jazz culture of the time. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Vian earned a degree in engineering and worked for a time as a translator for the US Air Force. he was also involved in political activism, campaigning against the Algerian War and advocating for nuclear disarmament. His written works spanned various genres, including novels, short stories, poetry, and plays, with several of his works being adapted for film. Vian's legacy has had a lasting impact on French counterculture and continues to inspire artists and creators around the world.
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Jean Carmet
Jean Carmet (April 25, 1920 Bourgueil-April 20, 1994 Sèvres) a.k.a. Jean Gabriel Edmond Carmet was a French actor and screenwriter. He had two children, Olivier Carmet and Jean-François Carmet.
Carmet began his acting career in the early 1940s and gained recognition for his work in films such as "Les Enfants Terribles" and "Le Grand Blond avec Une Chaussure Noire". He was known for his versatility as an actor and appeared in over 200 films throughout his career.
In addition to his acting work, Carmet also wrote and directed several films. He won the César Award for Best Actor in 1984 for his role in "Les Misérables" and was nominated for the same award on several other occasions.
Despite his success, Carmet remained humble and down-to-earth throughout his life. He was known for his warm personality and his ability to make others feel comfortable around him. When he passed away in 1994, he was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, who remembered him as a beloved actor and a true gentleman.
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Georges Marchal
Georges Marchal (January 10, 1920 Nancy-November 28, 1997 Maurens, Dordogne) a.k.a. Georges Louis Lucot, Georges Marschal, George Marchal or Georges Louis Marchal was a French actor. His children are called Frédérique Marchal and Robin Marchal.
Georges Marchal began his acting career in the late 1940s, making his big screen debut in the film "Aux yeux du souvenir" in 1948. He quickly gained fame and appeared in several popular films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Fanfan la Tulipe" (1952) and "Les 3 Mousquetaires" (1961).
In addition to his work on film, Marchal also had a successful career on stage and television. He was known for his commanding presence and versatile acting abilities, and was considered one of the leading actors of his time in France.
Marchal was married several times throughout his life, and had two children from his first marriage. He was also a dedicated teacher, and established an acting school in Paris in the 1970s.
Despite his success, Marchal struggled with addiction and financial difficulties later in life. He passed away in 1997 at the age of 77 in Maurens, Dordogne, leaving behind a legacy as one of France's most beloved and respected actors.
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Sacha Pitoëff
Sacha Pitoëff (March 11, 1920 Geneva-July 21, 1990 Paris) a.k.a. Sacha Pitoeff or Alexandre Pitoëff was a French actor and theatre director.
He was born into a family of Russian artists and was initially trained as a painter. However, he soon discovered his love for the stage and started his acting career in the 1940s. He performed in a variety of plays, including those by Bertolt Brecht and Jean Cocteau.
In addition to acting, Pitoëff was also a renowned theater director, known for his experimental and avant-garde productions. He founded and directed his own theater company, the Theatre de la Cité, which gained fame for its unique style and innovative performances.
Throughout his career, Pitoëff received numerous awards and accolades for his work in theater and cinema. He also appeared in several films, including Jean-Luc Godard's "Alphaville" and Luis Buñuel's "The Milky Way".
Pitoëff continued to work until his death in 1990, leaving behind a legacy as one of France's most influential and pioneering theater creators.
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Éric Rohmer
Éric Rohmer (March 21, 1920 Tulle-January 11, 2010 Paris) also known as Eric Rohmer, Jean-Marie Maurice Schérer, Maurice Henri Joseph Schérer, Gilbert Cordier, Rohmer, Jean Marie Maurice Schérer, Maurice Scherer or Jean-Marie Maurice Scherer was a French screenwriter, film director, film critic, journalist, novelist, teacher, actor, film editor and television director. He had one child, René Monzat.
Rohmer was widely recognized as one of the key figures in the French New Wave movement in the 1960s, known for his naturalistic storytelling, attention to dialogue, and focus on character development. Some of his most acclaimed films include "My Night at Maud's" (1969), "Claire's Knee" (1970), and "The Green Ray" (1986). He was also a prolific writer, with several novels, short stories, and critical works to his name. Rohmer taught film theory and criticism at multiple universities, and was an influential figure in shaping the academic study of cinema in France. Despite his success, he remained a private and reserved individual throughout his life, and was known to be deeply devoted to his work.
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Henri Verneuil
Henri Verneuil (October 15, 1920 Tekirdağ-January 11, 2002 Bagnolet) also known as Achod Malakian, Ashod Malakian or Ashot Malakian was a French film director, screenwriter, actor and film producer. He had four children, Patrick Malakian, Sophie Malakian, Gayane Malakian and Sevan Malakian.
Verneuil was born to Armenian parents in Turkey and moved to France with his family in 1924. He initially pursued a career in engineering but later discovered his passion for film and decided to become a director. He started his career in the French film industry in the 1940s as an assistant director and screenwriter.
Verneuil directed over 30 films from the 1950s to the 1990s, including the popular classics "The Sicilian Clan", "The Burglars", and "Mayrig". He often featured actors such as Jean-Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon in his films. Many of his films explored themes of immigration, identity and family, reflecting his own personal experiences.
Verneuil received numerous awards throughout his career including the Legion of Honor in 1985 and the César Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1980 for "I as in Icarus". He passed away in 2002 at the age of 81.
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Michel Audiard
Michel Audiard (May 15, 1920 Paris-July 27, 1985 Dourdan) also known as Pierre Michel Audiard, Jacques Potier or Audiard, Michel was a French screenwriter, film director, writer and actor. He had two children, Jacques Audiard and François Audiard.
Audiard was known for his wit and humorous dialogue, particularly in the crime and gangster genres. He wrote over 100 films during his career, including the classic French crime film "Rififi" (1955) and the popular comedy "Les Tontons Flingueurs" (1963). He also directed several films, including "Ne nous fâchons pas" (1966) and "Elle boit pas, elle fume pas, elle drague pas, mais... elle cause!" (1970). In addition to his film work, Audiard wrote several novels and plays. He passed away at the age of 65 due to a heart attack.
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René-Jean Chauffard
René-Jean Chauffard (August 24, 1920 Paris-October 30, 1972 Paris) also known as Jean-Louis Chauffart, R.J. Chauffar, R.J. Chauffard, Chauffard, R.J .Chauffard or Rémi J. Chauffard was a French actor.
He was a prolific film and television actor, appearing in over 100 films and numerous stage productions. His career spanned from the 1940s to the 1970s, and he is best known for his roles in films such as "Angel and Sinner" (1945), "Fandango" (1949), and "The Red Rose" (1951). He often played tough-guy roles and was known for his rugged good looks and intensity on screen.
Chauffard was also a talented writer and director. He wrote the screenplay and directed the film "The Gambler" (1958), which was well-received by critics and audiences alike. He also wrote a number of other screenplays throughout his career, including "The Green Mare" (1959) and "My Uncle Benjamin" (1969).
Despite his success as an actor and writer, Chauffard struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, which eventually led to health problems and his premature death at the age of 52. However, he remains a beloved figure in French cinema, remembered for his talent and his contributions to the industry.
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Daniel Ivernel
Daniel Ivernel (June 3, 1920 Versailles-November 11, 1999 Paris) also known as Ivernel or Jacques Ivernel was a French actor and teacher.
He began his acting career in French films during the 1940s and 1950s, often playing villainous characters. In 1956 he won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in "The Lovers of Montparnasse."
Alongside his acting career, Ivernel was also a well-respected teacher of acting. He taught at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art in Paris for over 30 years, and also gave private lessons to many notable actors, including Gérard Depardieu and Isabelle Huppert.
Ivernel continued to act in films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in movies such as "The Phantom of Liberty" and "The Return of Martin Guerre." He passed away in Paris in 1999 at the age of 79.
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Georges de Beauregard
Georges de Beauregard (December 23, 1920 Marseille-September 10, 1984 Paris) otherwise known as Edgar Denys Nau de Beauregard or Georges De Beauregard was a French film producer and actor.
He is best known for his collaborations with filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, producing several of his early films including "Breathless" and "A Woman Is a Woman". In addition to Godard, he produced films for other notable directors such as François Truffaut and Jacques Rivette.
Before entering the film industry, Beauregard had a successful career as a lawyer. He began producing films in the 1950s and quickly became a prominent figure in French cinema, known for his avant-garde productions and willingness to take risks with new and experimental directors.
In addition to producing, Beauregard also had a brief career as an actor, appearing in the Godard films "Pierrot le Fou" and "Masculin Féminin". His contributions to French cinema have been widely celebrated and his work has had a lasting impact on the industry.
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Raoul Billerey
Raoul Billerey (October 12, 1920 Nice-July 28, 2010 Limoux) a.k.a. Emile Gaston Maurice Billerey, Maurice Emile Gaston Billerey, Raoul Bilrey, Raoul Billeroy, Raoul Billeret, R. Billerey or Émile Gaston Maurice Billerey was a French actor and stunt performer.
He began his career as a stunt performer in the 1940s and later transitioned to acting, appearing in over 150 films and television shows. Billerey was known for his rugged looks and often played tough, gruff characters in both comedic and dramatic roles. Some of his most notable film credits include "Rififi" (1955), "The Great Silence" (1968), "Diabolique" (1996), and "La Haine" (1995). He also appeared in several popular French television series such as "Les Cordier, juge et flic" and "Navarro". Billerey received numerous awards for his contributions to French cinema, including the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 1978 and the César Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1985 for his role in "Les Ripoux".
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Paul Crauchet
Paul Crauchet (July 14, 1920 Béziers-December 19, 2012 Rocbaron) also known as P. Crauchet was a French actor.
He began his acting career in the 1950s, primarily in theater productions before transitioning to film and television. Crauchet was a prolific actor, appearing in over 80 films and television shows throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the films "The Two of Us" (1967) and "A Very Long Engagement" (2004). In addition to his acting work, Crauchet was also a Resistance fighter during World War II, and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his bravery. He continued acting into his 80s and passed away at the age of 92.
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George Breakston
George Breakston (January 22, 1920 Paris-May 21, 1973 Paris) a.k.a. Georgie Breakston, George P. Breakston or George Paul Breakston was a French film director, actor, film producer, screenwriter, television producer and television director.
Breakston was born in Paris in 1920 to a family of Jewish immigrants from Russia. His family moved to the United States when he was young and he began his career in the entertainment industry as a child actor in Hollywood during the 1930s. Breakston later went on to direct and produce films, television shows and documentaries throughout his career, spanning four decades.
He also served in the United States Army during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Breakston was also an avid art collector and philanthropist, donating a significant portion of his collection to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Breakston passed away in his hometown of Paris in 1973 at the age of 53. His legacy in the entertainment industry continues to be celebrated through the films, shows and documentaries he produced and directed.
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Robert Lynen
Robert Lynen (May 24, 1920 Jura-April 1, 1944 Karlsruhe) was a French actor.
Lynen began his acting career at a young age and gained notable recognition for his performances in several films during the 1930s. He was known for his roles in films such as "Le Crime de Monsieur Lange" and "Les Disparus de Saint Agil". During the World War II, Lynen joined the French Resistance movement and became an active member of the group "Francs-Tireurs et Partisans". He was arrested by the Gestapo in 1942 and was sent to the Dachau concentration camp. Lynen died in April 1944, at the young age of 23. He was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre and has been commemorated in several films and books.
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Jean Desailly
Jean Desailly (August 24, 1920 13th arrondissement-June 11, 2008 Paris) was a French actor.
Desailly began his acting career in the 1940s and went on to become a prominent figure in French cinema and theatre. He appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, including "The Soft Skin" (1964) and "A Little Romance" (1979). Desailly also worked in television, starring in the French television series "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" from 1958 to 1973. In addition to his acting, Desailly was also a respected theatre director and co-founded the Théâtre de la Madeleine in Paris in 1950. Desailly was awarded numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Legion of Honour in 1985.
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Robert Lamoureux
Robert Lamoureux (January 4, 1920 Saint-Mandé-October 29, 2011 Boulogne-Billancourt) was a French screenwriter, film director and actor.
His father was a famous French comedian and actor and his mother was a French actress. Lamoureux began his career as a comedian and gained popularity with his one-man shows, which he wrote and performed. He became one of the most popular French actors of his time and appeared in over 50 films. His most famous film, "La traversée de Paris" (Four Bags Full), was released in 1956 and is still considered a classic of French cinema. Later in his career, Lamoureux focused more on screenwriting and directing, and wrote scripts for a number of successful films. He was also a talented songwriter, and wrote many popular songs for himself and other artists. In addition to his successful career in entertainment, Lamoureux was also a member of the French Resistance during World War II, and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his bravery.
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Jacques François
Jacques François (May 16, 1920 Paris-November 25, 2003 Paris) also known as Jacques Francois was a French actor. He had one child, Cyril François.
Jacques François began his acting career in the 1940s and went on to appear in over 180 films throughout his lifetime. He was known for his versatile acting abilities and played a variety of roles in films ranging from drama to comedy. Some of his notable films include "La Grande Vadrouille" (1966), "Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez" (1964), and "The Day of the Jackal" (1973).
Besides his successful film career, Jacques François was also a well-respected stage actor, appearing in numerous French theatrical productions. He received critical acclaim for his performances in plays like "The Misanthrope," "Cyrano de Bergerac," and "The Marriage of Figaro."
Throughout his career, Jacques François was recognized for his contributions to the French film industry and was awarded the prestigious Legion of Honor in 2001, just two years before his death.
Despite his fame and success, Jacques François was known for maintaining a low profile in his personal life. He passed away in Paris in 2003 at the age of 83.
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Jacques Doniol-Valcroze
Jacques Doniol-Valcroze (March 15, 1920 Paris-October 6, 1989 Cannes) also known as Jacques Doniol, J. Doniol-Valcloze or Etienne Loinod was a French actor, film director, screenwriter, film critic and television director. He had three children, Florence Doniol-Valcroze, Diane Doniol-Valcroze and Simon Doniol-Valcroze.
Doniol-Valcroze co-founded the influential film magazine Cahiers du cinéma in 1951 along with André Bazin and others. He served as the magazine's editor from 1956 to 1963. He was a prominent figure in the French New Wave movement and directed several films, including "La dénonciation" and "L'eau à la bouche". He also acted in films by other French New Wave directors, such as Jean-Luc Godard's "Le Petit Soldat". Doniol-Valcroze was known for his intellectual and analytical approach to cinema and was a respected film critic. He received the Legion of Honour in 1977 for his contributions to French cinema.
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Pierre Louki
Pierre Louki (July 25, 1920 Brienon-sur-Armançon-December 21, 2006) a.k.a. Pierre Varenne, Louki, Pierre, Pierre Luki or Varenne was a French actor, lyricist and singer-songwriter.
His real name was Pierre Varenne, and he began his career in the 1940s as an actor on the Paris stage. However, it was his talent as a songwriter that would truly make him famous. Louki wrote lyrics for some of the most iconic performers of his time, including Léo Ferré, Juliette Gréco, and Jacques Brel. He was heavily influenced by surrealism, and his lyrics often featured absurdist imagery and wordplay. In addition to his work as a songwriter, Louki also released several albums of his own music throughout his career. He continued to perform and write music well into his old age, and is remembered as one of the most innovative and influential lyricists of his time.
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Raymond Meunier
Raymond Meunier (January 15, 1920 Fontainebleau-June 17, 2010 Puilboreau) was a French actor.
He began his acting career in the 1940s with smaller roles in French films such as "L'assassin a peur la nuit" and "Les joueurs". Meunier gained wider recognition in the 1950s, appearing in films such as "Les Amants de Montparnasse" and "Les Cousins". He also starred in several popular French television series throughout the 1960s and 1970s, such as "Belphégor" and "Les Compagnons de Baal". Meunier continued to act in films and on television into the 1990s, with his final role being in the 1998 film "En plein coeur". In addition to his acting career, Meunier was also a painter and exhibited his artwork in galleries throughout France.
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Henri Crolla
Henri Crolla (February 26, 1920 Naples-October 17, 1960 Paris) also known as Enrico Crolla was a French guitarist, film score composer and actor.
Born in Italy, Crolla moved to France at the age of four with his family. He began playing the guitar at a young age and quickly developed a passion for music. He went on to become one of the most prominent jazz guitarists of his generation, performing with some of the biggest names in French music, such as Edith Piaf and Yves Montand.
In addition to his success as a musician, Crolla also had a career in film. He composed the score for several French films and also appeared in a number of movies, including "The Red Inn" (1951) and "The Long Teeth" (1952).
Sadly, Crolla's life was cut short when he died of a heart attack at the age of 40. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be celebrated by jazz aficionados around the world.
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Jean Négroni
Jean Négroni (December 4, 1920 Constantine-May 28, 2005 L'Île-Rousse) also known as Jean Negroni was a French actor and voice actor.
Négroni began his career in theater and eventually transitioned to film and television. He appeared in over 80 films throughout his career, including "Le Trou" (1960), "Le Clan des Siciliens" (1969) and "La Boum" (1980). He was also a prolific voice actor in French cinema, lending his voice to animated films and dubbing over the voices of other actors. Négroni was known for his distinctive voice, often described as deep and raspy. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, he was also a passionate collector of African art and wrote several books on the subject. Négroni passed away at the age of 84 in 2005.
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Pierre Kast
Pierre Kast (September 22, 1920 Paris-October 20, 1984 Clichy) was a French screenwriter, film director, television director and actor.
He initially studied medicine, but left his studies to become a filmmaker. Kast worked with renowned French directors such as Robert Bresson and Jacques Rivette, and his own directorial efforts were known for their experimental and improvisational nature. In addition to his work in the film industry, Kast also taught film theory and history at the University of Paris. He was a member of the jury at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival and his contributions to French cinema were recognized posthumously with a retrospective of his work at the Cinémathèque française in 2010. Kast was also an active member of the French Resistance during World War II.
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