Here are 10 famous actors from France were born in 1940:
Jean-Luc Nancy (July 26, 1940 France-) is a French philosopher, writer and actor.
Jean-Luc Nancy is best known for his works on phenomenology, ontology, and politics. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Strasbourg before moving to Paris to continue his education. Nancy has taught at numerous universities in France, Europe, and the United States, including the Université Paris 8, University of California, Irvine, and the European Graduate School.
Nancy's philosophical works include "The Inoperative Community" and "The Disavowed Community," which explore the ideas of community and communication. He has also written extensively on the body, art, and religion, with works such as "Corpus" and "The Ground of the Image."
Aside from his academic works, Nancy is also a published novelist and playwright. His literary works include "L'Équivalent de la Nuit" and "Les Muses."
In addition to his career in philosophy and literature, Nancy is also an accomplished actor. He has appeared in films such as "Soleil" and "Nocturama," and on stage in productions such as "L'épreuve" and "Fin de partie."
Read more about Jean-Luc Nancy on Wikipedia »
Jacques Higelin (October 18, 1940 Brou-sur-Chantereine-) also known as Jacque Higelin, Higelin, Jacques, Jacques Joseph Victor Higelin or Jacques Igelin is a French singer, singer-songwriter and actor. His children are called Ken Higelin, Arthur H and Izïa.
Jacques Higelin began his career in the 1960s as an actor, taking on small roles in films and television shows. However, it was his music career that really took off in the 1970s with the release of his album "BBH 75" which went on to become a cult classic. He continued to produce successful albums throughout the 80s and 90s, cementing his place as one of France's most beloved musicians.
Higelin was also known for his activism and political views, often using his music to express his opinions on social and environmental issues. He was a vocal supporter of the Green Party and was involved in numerous campaigns for social justice.
In addition to his music and activism, Higelin also dabbled in acting throughout his career, taking on roles in films such as "Le territoire des autres" and "Germinal".
Sadly, Jacques Higelin passed away in 2018 at the age of 77, leaving behind a rich legacy of music, activism and art. He remains an influential figure in French culture and his music continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Read more about Jacques Higelin on Wikipedia »
Philippe Forquet (September 27, 1940 Paris-) a.k.a. Philippe Forquet Viscount de Dorne is a French actor.
He is best known for his roles in a number French films in the 1960s and 1970s, including "Le Bois des amants" (1960), "Un témoin dans la ville" (1959), and "El otro árbol de Guernica" (1975). In addition to his acting career, Forquet has also worked as a television presenter and writer. He has written several books, including a memoir about his experiences in the entertainment industry. He is a descendant of the de La Tour d'Auvergne family and holds the title of Viscount de Dorne.
Read more about Philippe Forquet on Wikipedia »
Philippe Léotard (August 28, 1940 Nice-August 25, 2001 Paris) also known as Philippe Leotard, Ange Philippe Paul André Léotard-Tomasi or Ange-Philippe Leotard was a French actor, poet, singer, film score composer and teacher. He had three children, Laetitia Léotard, Faustina Léotard and Frédéric Léotard.
Léotard began his career as a poet, publishing his first collection of poems, entitled "40° à l'ombre" (40° in the shade), in 1963. He also started acting around the same time, making his debut in the Jean-Luc Godard film "La Chinoise" in 1967. He went on to appear in over 50 films and television shows throughout his career.
Aside from acting, Léotard was also a talented musician and composer. He released several albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, blending poetry and music in his unique style. He also composed the score for several films, including "Le Juge Fayard dit Le Shérif" and "Les Uns et Les Autres".
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Léotard was a dedicated teacher of theater and acting. He taught at the National School of Arts and Techniques of Theatre in Lyon and later became a professor at the Paris Conservatory.
Despite his success, Léotard struggled with addiction throughout his life, and he died of a heart attack in 2001 at the age of 60. He is remembered as a talented and passionate artist who made significant contributions to French culture.
Read more about Philippe Léotard on Wikipedia »
Jean-Marie Pallardy (January 16, 1940 Auvergne-) also known as Boris Pradley, Boris Pradlay, Edward John Francis, Boris Pradlais, Jean M. Pallardy, Jean-Marie Pallody or John M. Pallardy is a French actor, screenwriter, film director, model and film producer.
Pallardy started his career as a model in Paris and eventually made his way to the film industry as an actor. He appeared in over 50 films throughout his career including "Young Wolves," "La Piscine," and "The Pleasure Pit." Pallardy also dabbled in screenwriting, producing and directing, often taking on multiple roles in the same production. In the 1980s, he gained some notoriety for his erotic thrillers such as "Sins of the Flesh" and "White Fire." Despite controversy surrounding his work, Pallardy continued to contribute to the film industry until his death in 2015.
Read more about Jean-Marie Pallardy on Wikipedia »
Antoine Saint-John (August 11, 1940 Avignon-) also known as Domingo Antoine, Jean-Michel Antoine, Antoine Michel, Michel Antoine, Antoine Saint Jean, Antoine Saint John, Antoine St John or Antoine St. John is a French actor.
He began his acting career in the mid-1970s and appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, working with acclaimed directors such as Luc Besson, Jacques Audiard, and Tony Scott. Some of his notable film credits include "Diva" (1981), "The Big Blue" (1988), "Nikita" (1990), and "The Professional" (1994). In addition to his film work, Saint-John also appeared on television in several French TV shows and played small roles in American series such as "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" and "The X-Files." He was known for his imposing physical presence and often played tough, intimidating characters. Saint-John passed away on July 24, 2019, at the age of 78.
Read more about Antoine Saint-John on Wikipedia »
Just Jaeckin (August 8, 1940 Vichy-) also known as Just Jackin or Just Jaekin is a French film director, writer, actor and screenwriter.
He is best known for his erotic films, including "Emmanuelle" (1974) and "The Story of O" (1975). Born into a family of artists, Jaeckin initially pursued a career in photography before transitioning to film. He began his career as a director with the film "The School Teacher" (1970) before finding international success with "Emmanuelle". In addition to his work in film, Jaeckin has also directed music videos and commercials. He is considered one of the pioneers of erotic cinema and remains a controversial figure due to the explicit nature of his work.
Read more about Just Jaeckin on Wikipedia »
Patrice Laffont (August 21, 1940 Marseille-) is a French actor. He has two children, Axelle Laffont and Mathilde Laffont.
Patrice Laffont is also well-known as a television presenter, having hosted several game shows in France, including "Fort Boyard" and "Pyramide." In addition to his television work, Laffont has also acted in numerous films and television series, including "Les Cordier, juge et flic," "Le tuteur," and "Famille d'accueil." He has received several awards for his contributions to French entertainment, including the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 2013. Laffont is also a published author, having written several books about his experiences in the entertainment industry.
Read more about Patrice Laffont on Wikipedia »
Georges Poujouly (January 20, 1940 Garches-October 28, 2000 Villejuif) was a French actor and voice actor.
He began his acting career at a young age, making his film debut at the age of 10 in the 1950 film "La Marie du port." However, he is perhaps best known for his role as Michel Dolle in the 1957 film "Les Quatre Cents Coups" (The 400 Blows), directed by François Truffaut. He went on to appear in several other films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "La Famille Fenouillard" (1960) and "Le signe du lion" (1959).
Poujouly also had a successful career as a voice actor, providing the French dubbing for several foreign films, including "The Ten Commandments" (1956) and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1956).
Tragically, Poujouly's life was cut short when he died from lung cancer at the age of 60 in 2000. However, his legacy as a talented actor, both on screen and in the dubbing studio, lives on.
Read more about Georges Poujouly on Wikipedia »
Jean-Jacques Debout (March 9, 1940 Paris-) a.k.a. Jean Jacques Debout, J.J. Debout or Debout, Jean-Jacques is a French actor, singer, composer and songwriter. He has two children, Clarisse Debout and Jean-Paul Debout.
Debout had a passion for music from an early age, and began writing his own songs at the age of 16. He went on to write hits for various French singers, including "Les neiges du Kilimandjaro" for Pascal Danel and "La Ballade des gens heureux" for Gérard Lenorman. As a singer himself, Debout has released numerous albums throughout his career, and is known for his romantic ballads and catchy pop tunes.
In addition to his music career, Debout has also acted in a number of French films, including "Is Paris Burning?" and "The Night of the Generals". He has also worked as a television writer and director, and was responsible for creating the popular French TV series "Les Enquêtes du commissaire Maigret".
Despite a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, Debout remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to write and perform music, and is beloved by fans throughout France and beyond.
Read more about Jean-Jacques Debout on Wikipedia »