French actors who were born in 1922
Here are 27 famous actors from France were born in 1922:
Gérard Philipe
Gérard Philipe (December 4, 1922 Cannes-November 25, 1959 Paris) a.k.a. Gerard Philipe, Gérard Philippe, Gerard Philippe, Gérard Philip or Gérard Philipe du Théatre National Populaire was a French actor. His children are called Anne-Marie Philipe and Olivier Philipe.
Philipe is widely considered to be one of the greatest French actors of all time. He began his acting career in the theatre, joining the prestigious Comédie-Française in 1944. He quickly became known for his intense and passionate performances, particularly in classic French plays such as "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "Hamlet."
In the 1950s, Philipe transitioned to film, starring in a number of successful movies such as "Fanfan la Tulipe" and "Les Grandes Manœuvres." He was particularly adept at portraying complex and tortured characters, and his performances earned him critical acclaim both in France and internationally.
Sadly, Philipe's life was cut short when he died of liver cancer at the age of just 36. Despite his early death, he has continued to be remembered as a legend of French cinema and theatre, and his influence can still be seen in the work of many actors today.
Read more about Gérard Philipe on Wikipedia »
Alain Robbe-Grillet
Alain Robbe-Grillet (August 18, 1922 Brest-February 18, 2008 Caen) also known as Alain RobbeGrillet was a French screenwriter, film director, actor, writer and novelist.
He is credited with being a pioneer of the Nouveau Roman or New Novel literary style which rejected traditional narrative structures and sought to break down the boundaries between fiction and reality. Robbe-Grillet's most notable works include his debut novel "The Erasers" (1953), "Jealousy" (1957), and "In the Labyrinth" (1959). In addition to his literary career, Robbe-Grillet also dabbled in film, directing the controversial and sexually charged film "Trans-Europ-Express" (1966). He continued to write and produce films until his death in 2008, leaving behind a legacy as a groundbreaking artist who challenged conventions and pushed the boundaries of literary and cinematic expression.
Read more about Alain Robbe-Grillet on Wikipedia »
Serge Reggiani
Serge Reggiani (May 2, 1922 Reggio Emilia-July 23, 2004 Boulogne-Billancourt) also known as Sergio Reggiani was a French singer, actor and painter. He had five children, Simon Reggiani, Karine Reggiani, Celia Reggiani, Maria Reggiani and Stéphan Reggiani.
Reggiani was born in Italy but his family moved to France when he was just five years old. He began his career as an actor in the early 1940s, appearing in a number of French films throughout the decade. However, he is perhaps best known for his work in music, having released over 20 albums during his career.
Reggiani's music was characterized by his deep and gravelly voice, as well as his often melancholic lyrics. He was particularly popular in France during the 1960s and 70s, and was known for his collaborations with other famous French musicians such as Serge Gainsbourg.
In addition to his work as a singer and actor, Reggiani was also a talented painter. He held a number of exhibitions throughout his life, and his artwork was praised for its bold use of color and sense of emotional depth.
Reggiani passed away in 2004 at the age of 82, but his legacy as one of France's most beloved and versatile entertainers lives on.
Read more about Serge Reggiani on Wikipedia »
Daniel Boulanger
Daniel Boulanger (January 24, 1922 Compiègne-October 27, 2014) was a French novelist, screenwriter, actor, poet and playwright.
He began his career as an actor and became a prolific screenwriter, writing scripts for films such as Francois Truffaut's "Day for Night" and Louis Malle's "Zazie dans le Metro." Boulanger also wrote numerous novels and plays, including "Les Nouvelles Histoires de Maitre Pathelin" and "Le Pas de Trois." In addition to his writing and acting work, he was an accomplished poet, publishing several collections throughout his career. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to French culture, including a lifetime achievement award from the Académie Française.
Read more about Daniel Boulanger on Wikipedia »
Gabriel Jabbour
Gabriel Jabbour (November 7, 1922 Alexandria-September 20, 1987 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre) a.k.a. Gabriel Jabour or Gabriel Jabbourg was a French actor.
He was born to a Lebanese-Jewish family and started his acting career in the late 1940s. Jabbour appeared in over 70 films and television shows throughout his career which lasted more than three decades. He was known for his roles in French cinema as well as for his performances on stage. Some of his notable films include "Sursis pour un vivant" (1959), "Concerto de la peur" (1963), and "Comment réussir en amour" (1962). He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the character Max in the film "La Vieille Fille" (1972). Jabbour was married to the French actress and singer Claude Gensac from 1953 until his death in 1987.
Read more about Gabriel Jabbour on Wikipedia »
Michel Auclair
Michel Auclair (September 14, 1922 Koblenz-January 7, 1988 Fayence) a.k.a. Vladimir Vujović or Vladimir Vujovic was a French actor.
Auclair was born in Germany but his family moved to France when he was a child. He studied acting at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art in Paris and quickly gained recognition on the stage. He made his film debut in 1944 and went on to appear in over 80 films, often playing suave and sophisticated characters. Outside of France, he was known for his role in the 1955 Hollywood film "To Catch a Thief" directed by Alfred Hitchcock. In addition to his acting career, Auclair was also a successful theater director and co-founded the Théâtre de la Huchette in Paris. He was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur, one of France's highest honors, in 1979. Auclair died in 1988 at the age of 65 in Fayence, France.
Read more about Michel Auclair on Wikipedia »
Paul Gégauff
Paul Gégauff (August 10, 1922 Blotzheim-December 24, 1983 Gjøvik) a.k.a. Paul Gegauff or P. Gegauff was a French screenwriter, actor and film director. His child is called Clemence Gegauff.
Gégauff began his career as a stage actor before transitioning into film in the 1950s. He gained critical acclaim for his collaborations with famed director Jean-Luc Godard, co-writing the screenplays for the films "Pierrot le Fou" and "Le Week-End". Gégauff also wrote and directed several of his own films, including "The Game Is Over" and "The Day and the Hour". Known for his acerbic wit and outspoken personality, Gégauff was a controversial figure in the French film industry. He often clashed with colleagues and earned a reputation as a difficult collaborator. Despite this, he continued to work prolifically until his untimely death in Norway in 1983.
Read more about Paul Gégauff on Wikipedia »
Gérard Calvi
Gérard Calvi (July 26, 1922 Paris-) also known as Gérard Calvi, Grégoire Krettly or Gerard Calvi is a French film score composer and actor.
Calvi began his career as a composer in the 1940s, writing music for French films such as Le Roi Pandore (1950) and Trois femmes (1952). He went on to become a prolific composer for film and television, scoring over 200 films and several television series. Some of his notable works include the score for the 1960 film Les Frangines and the 1964 Italian film Hercules Against Rome.
Calvi was also known for his work in the theatre, composing music for numerous plays and musicals. In addition to his work as a composer, Calvi had a brief career as an actor, appearing in a few films and television series in the 1950s and 60s.
Throughout his career, Calvi was honored with many awards and accolades, including the Grand Prix du Disque for his work on La Belle et la Bête (1962). He continued to compose music until his death in 2015 at the age of 92.
Read more about Gérard Calvi on Wikipedia »
Alain Resnais
Alain Resnais (June 3, 1922 Vannes-March 1, 2014 Paris) also known as Alain Pierre Marie Jean Georges Resnais, The Sphinx, Alex Reval or Alzin Rezarail was a French film director, film editor, screenwriter, cinematographer and actor.
He is best known for his innovative approach to filmmaking and his contributions to the French New Wave. Resnais gained international acclaim for his groundbreaking films such as "Hiroshima Mon Amour", "Last Year at Marienbad" and "My American Uncle". Throughout his career, Resnais received many awards and recognition for his work, including several César Awards, a Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and an Academy Honorary Award. He continued to work in filmmaking until his death in 2014 at the age of 91. Resnais is considered one of the most influential filmmakers in French cinema history, and his work continues to inspire and influence filmmakers around the world.
Read more about Alain Resnais on Wikipedia »
Jean Martin
Jean Martin (March 6, 1922 Paris-February 2, 2009 Paris) was a French actor.
He began his career in theater, and later became a prolific film and television actor in France. Martin is best known for his roles in films such as "The Battle of Algiers" (1966), "The Bride Wore Black" (1968), and "The Day of the Jackal" (1973). He also appeared in numerous popular French television shows, including "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" and "Les Enquêtes du commissaire Maigret". Despite his success, Martin remained a private individual and rarely gave interviews. He passed away in Paris at the age of 86.
Read more about Jean Martin on Wikipedia »
Frédéric Rossif
Frédéric Rossif (August 14, 1922 Cetinje-April 18, 1990 Paris) otherwise known as Frederic Rossif was a French film director, television director, screenwriter and actor.
He was known for his work on documentary films, particularly those focused on natural history and social issues. Rossif got his start in the film industry in the 1940s as an actor and assistant director. He later became a documentary filmmaker and was known for his unique style of blending music and images in his films. Throughout his career, he won multiple awards for his work, including a César Award for Best Documentary in 1977 for his film, "Le Sauvage et beau". Some of his other notable films include "L'Oiseau de paradis", "La Fête sauvage", and "Les Animaux ont droit de cité". Rossif was considered a pioneer in nature documentary filmmaking and his work has inspired many filmmakers in the genre.
Read more about Frédéric Rossif on Wikipedia »
Marcel Mouloudji
Marcel Mouloudji (September 16, 1922 Paris-June 14, 1994 Paris) a.k.a. Marcel Mouloudjy or Mouloudji was a French singer and actor. His children are called Annabelle and Gregory Mouloudji.
Mouloudji was born to a Kabyle family in Paris and started his career as a singer in the 1940s. He quickly gained popularity and became known for his deep voice and emotional performances. He then ventured into acting and appeared in several films, such as "Les Portes de la Nuit" and "French Cancan".
Despite his success as an artist, Mouloudji was also dedicated to political and social activism. He was a member of the French Resistance during World War II and later became an advocate for the rights of immigrants and minorities. He was also a supporter of left-wing political movements and spoke out against racism and discrimination.
Mouloudji's music and activism continue to inspire generations of French artists and social activists. He passed away at the age of 71 in Paris, leaving behind a legacy of art and activism.
Read more about Marcel Mouloudji on Wikipedia »
Boby Lapointe
Boby Lapointe (April 16, 1922 Pézenas-June 29, 1972 Pézenas) also known as Bobby Lapointe, Lapointe, Boby, Robert (Boby) Lapointe, Robert, Jean-François, Joseph, Pascal Lapointe, Bobby La Pointe, Le chanteur sous-titré or Robert Lapointe was a French singer, actor and mathematician. He had two children, Ticha Lapointe and Jacky Lapointe.
Boby Lapointe began his career as a singer in the 1950s and quickly gained a following for his witty, humorous lyrics and avant-garde musical style. He often incorporated complex mathematical formulas and wordplay into his songs, earning him a reputation as a "singer-mathematician." Some of his most popular songs include "Framboise," "Ta Katie t'a quitté," and "La Maman des Poissons."
In addition to his music career, Lapointe also appeared in several films, including "La Belle Américaine" and "Le Petit Baigneur." He was known for his quirky sense of humor and eccentric personality, which made him a beloved figure in French popular culture.
Tragically, Lapointe's life was cut short when he died of a heart attack at the age of 50. However, his legacy has endured through his music and his influence on generations of artists who have followed in his footsteps. He is still celebrated today as one of the most innovative and original French musicians of the 20th century.
Read more about Boby Lapointe on Wikipedia »
Michel Galabru
Michel Galabru (October 27, 1922 Safi-) also known as Monsieur Galabru, Michel Falabru de la Comédie Française, Michel Louis Edmond Galabru, Edmond Louis Michel Galabru, Mr. Galabru or Michel Falabru of the French Comedy is a French actor, voice actor and screenwriter. His children are called Emmanuelle Galabru, Jean Galabru and Philippe Galabru.
Michel Galabru began his acting career in the mid-1940s and became a member of the prestigious Comédie-Française in 1950. He later ventured into film and television, gaining recognition for his roles in popular French comedies such as "The Gendarme" series and "Le Juge et l'Assassin" for which he won the César Award for Best Actor.
Galabru's extensive career spanned over 70 years, during which he appeared in over 250 films and numerous television shows. In addition to his acting work, he also served as a voice actor for numerous animated films and shows in France.
Throughout his career, Galabru was recognized for his contribution to French cinema and was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1989. He continued to work until his death in 2016 at the age of 93, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most accomplished and beloved actors in French cinema.
Read more about Michel Galabru on Wikipedia »
Jacques Morel
Jacques Morel (May 29, 1922 Paris-April 9, 2008 Paris) also known as Jacques Murel or Jacques Houstraete was a French actor and voice actor.
Morel began his career in the 1940s and went on to appear in over 100 films and television shows. He worked with notable directors such as Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, and Louis Malle. Morel is perhaps best known for his role as the French ambassador in the 1972 film The Day of the Jackal.
In addition to his on-screen work, Morel was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous French-language dubbing projects for both film and television. He provided the French voice for actors such as Anthony Hopkins, Peter O'Toole, and Christopher Lee, among others.
Morel was recognized for his contributions to French cinema with several awards throughout his career, including the Legion of Honour and the National Order of Merit. He passed away at the age of 85 in his hometown of Paris.
Read more about Jacques Morel on Wikipedia »
Pierre Trabaud
Pierre Trabaud (August 7, 1922 Chatou-February 26, 2005 Garches) a.k.a. Pierre Pibaret, Pierre Gabriel Vincent Wolf or Peter Gabriel Vincent Wolf was a French actor and voice actor.
He began his acting career in the late 1940s, appearing in a number of French films such as "Adieu Chérie" and "Maître après Dieu." However, it was his work in dubbing foreign films into French that gained him a great deal of recognition. He was the French voice of many famous actors including Spencer Tracy, Charlton Heston, and Marlon Brando. Trabaud also provided the French voice of various animated characters, including several Disney villains such as Captain Hook in "Peter Pan" and Shere Khan in "The Jungle Book." Later in his career, he became a familiar face on French television shows such as "Les Compagnons de Baal" and "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes." He remained active in the French entertainment industry until his death in 2005.
Read more about Pierre Trabaud on Wikipedia »
Maurice Biraud
Maurice Biraud (March 3, 1922 Paris-December 24, 1982 Paris) a.k.a. Bibi was a French actor.
He began his career as a music hall performer before transitioning into acting in the 1950s. Biraud gained recognition for his roles in the films Les Tricheurs (1958) and Les Vieux de la Vieille (1960). He also appeared in numerous other films such as OSS 117 se déchaîne (1963), Le Jour le plus long (1962), and La Grande Vadrouille (1966). Biraud was also a regular on French television, appearing in shows such as Les Cinq Dernières Minutes and Les Enquêtes du commissaire Maigret. In addition to his acting career, he was also a well-known comedian and singer. Biraud passed away in 1982 at the age of 60.
Read more about Maurice Biraud on Wikipedia »
Jacques Duby
Jacques Duby (May 7, 1922 Toulouse-February 15, 2012 Paris) a.k.a. Duby Stanislas Jacques Charles was a French actor.
He appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career, including the 1958 film "The Roots of Heaven" directed by John Huston and the 1966 film "Is Paris Burning" directed by René Clément. Duby was also known for his work in theater, having performed at the Comédie-Française and other prominent theaters in France. He was awarded the National Order of Merit and made a Knight of the Legion of Honor for his contributions to French culture. Duby passed away in 2012 in Paris at the age of 89.
Read more about Jacques Duby on Wikipedia »
Gérard Sety
Gérard Sety (December 13, 1922 Paris-February 1, 1998 Maisons-Laffitte) a.k.a. Gérard Séty was a French actor.
He began his professional acting career at the age of 21, appearing in French films and stage productions. In the 1950s, he gained international recognition with his role in the film "Forbidden Games" directed by René Clément. Sety continued to act in French and European films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, often portraying elegant and sophisticated characters. Apart from acting, he was also an accomplished poet, and published several collections of his own writings. In his later years, he focused on his writing and published numerous articles on French literature and poetry. Sety passed away in 1998 at the age of 75.
Read more about Gérard Sety on Wikipedia »
Jacques Poitrenaud
Jacques Poitrenaud (May 22, 1922 Lille-April 5, 2005 Paris) otherwise known as J. Poitrenaud was a French screenwriter, film editor, actor and film director.
Poitrenaud was best known for his work in the French New Wave cinema movement, notably as a frequent collaborator of renowned director François Truffaut. Poitrenaud worked as an editor on Truffaut's film "The 400 Blows" and also wrote and directed his own films, including "Miroir" and "Street of Shadows". In addition to his film work, Poitrenaud also acted in several movies, such as Truffaut's "The Soft Skin" and Louis Malle's "Elevator to the Gallows". Throughout his career, Poitrenaud was celebrated for his fresh and innovative approach to filmmaking, and he remains an influential figure in French cinema.
Read more about Jacques Poitrenaud on Wikipedia »
Jean Topart
Jean Topart (April 13, 1922 Paris-December 29, 2012 Le Port-Marly) was a French actor and voice actor.
He began his career on stage, performing in a variety of plays throughout the 1940s and 1950s. In the 1960s, he gained widespread recognition for his voiceover work, lending his voice to numerous animated films and TV series, including the French dubs of iconic productions such as The Pink Panther, The Jungle Book, and The Aristocats. He was also a prolific actor, appearing in over 70 films and television shows in a career that spanned more than five decades. Some of his notable film credits include, Les Vacances de M. Hulot, La Baie des Anges, and Week-end at Dunkirk. Topart also worked extensively in radio dramas and dubbed foreign films, becoming a versatile and highly respected figure in the world of French entertainment. Throughout his career, he was honored with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to French cinema and culture.
Read more about Jean Topart on Wikipedia »
Guy Henri
Guy Henri (January 6, 1922-July 9, 2002 France) also known as Guy-Henry or Guy Henry was a French actor.
Guy Henri was born in Marseille, France, and began his acting career in the 1940s. He appeared in over 50 films throughout his career, including "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1956) and "The Four Musketeers" (1974). He was also known for his work on stage, where he performed in productions of plays such as "Hamlet" and "Macbeth". In addition to his work in film and theater, Guy Henri was also a talented voice actor, lending his voice to several animated films and television shows. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 80.
Read more about Guy Henri on Wikipedia »
Jean Gaven
Jean Gaven (January 16, 1922 Saint-Rome-de-Cernon-May 5, 2014 Paris) a.k.a. Gaven was a French actor.
Born in Aveyron, France, Gaven began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to film in the 1950s. He acted in over 80 films throughout his career, working with notable directors such as Jean-Pierre Melville and Claude Chabrol. One of his most famous roles was in the 1963 film "The Leopard" directed by Luchino Visconti. He also appeared in a number of popular French television series. In addition to his acting career, Gaven was a decorated World War II veteran, having served in the French Resistance and as a paratrooper with the British Army's Special Air Service.
Read more about Jean Gaven on Wikipedia »
Raymond Devos
Raymond Devos (November 9, 1922 Mouscron-June 15, 2006 Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse) was a French clown, humorist, comedian and actor.
He started his career as a pianist but soon turned to comedy, specializing in plays on words, absurd and surrealistic humor, and verbal acrobatics. He became known for his rapid-fire delivery, facial expressions, and linguistic skill, and was considered one of the most influential and innovative comedians of his time. Devos was also a talented actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows. In addition, he was a poet and writer, publishing several books of poetry and short stories. Devos won many awards throughout his career, including the Grand Prix de l'Humour Noir, the Prix Molière, and the Légion d'honneur. His influence can still be seen in modern comedy and he is remembered as a true master of the art.
Read more about Raymond Devos on Wikipedia »
Gottfried Kolditz
Gottfried Kolditz (December 14, 1922 Goldbach-Altenbach-June 15, 1982 Dubrovnik) a.k.a. Dr. Gottfried Kolditz was a French actor, film director and screenwriter. He had one child, Stefan Kolditz.
Throughout his career, Gottfried Kolditz directed and wrote several films in the German Democratic Republic. He began his film career as an assistant director in 1951, and later worked as a director for the state film company in East Germany, DEFA. Some of his notable films include "Piloten" (1966), "Sie nannten ihn Amigo" (1970), and "Das unsichtbare Visier" (1973-1979). Kolditz was known for his work on historical and adventure films, and his films often featured complex and exciting action sequences. In addition to his directing work, he also appeared in several films as an actor. Kolditz passed away in 1982 while on a trip to Dubrovnik. Despite his relatively short career, he left a lasting impact on East German cinema and is remembered as one of the most important filmmakers of his time.
Read more about Gottfried Kolditz on Wikipedia »
Ivan Desny
Ivan Desny (December 28, 1922 Beijing-April 13, 2002 Ascona) also known as Yvan Desny, Ivan Nikolai Desnitskij, Juan Desny, Ivan Nikolai Desnitzky, Иван Десни or Ivan Gums was a French actor.
He was born to a Russian father and a Polish mother in Beijing but grew up in France. Desny started his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in over 180 films throughout his career. He was best known for his work in films such as "La Dolce Vita" (1960) and "The Mad Adventures of Rabbi Jacob" (1973). He also acted in many German films, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, and was often cast as a villain due to his distinctive voice and looks. Desny was a fluent speaker of multiple languages, including French, German, English, and Russian. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 79 in Ascona, Switzerland.
Read more about Ivan Desny on Wikipedia »
Claude Ollier
Claude Ollier (December 17, 1922 Paris-October 18, 2014) was a French writer, screenwriter and actor.
He began his career in the French Resistance during World War II and later became a member of the influential literary movement Oulipo. Ollier's writing style was known for its experimental and surrealistic elements, often exploring the boundaries of language and narrative structure. He wrote numerous novels, including "La Mise en scène" and "Ravage", as well as screenplays for film and television. In addition to his writing career, Ollier was also a respected actor, appearing in films such as "La Chinoise" and "Stavisky". Throughout his life, Ollier was celebrated for his contributions to French literature and his innovative and boundary-pushing approach to writing.
Read more about Claude Ollier on Wikipedia »