Pathetic Facts

French actors who were born in 1944

Here are 26 famous actors from France were born in 1944:

Jean-Pierre Léaud

Jean-Pierre Léaud (May 28, 1944 Paris-) also known as Jean-Pierre Leaud, Jean-Paul Leaud, J.P. Leaud, Jean Pierre Leaud or JPL is a French actor, film director and screenwriter.

He is best known for his collaboration with acclaimed director François Truffaut, with whom he worked on several films including "The 400 Blows", "Stolen Kisses", and "Bed and Board". Léaud's performance as the young troublemaker Antoine Doinel in "The 400 Blows" catapulted him to international fame and established him as a prominent figure in the French New Wave film movement.

Throughout his career, Léaud has appeared in numerous films, both in France and internationally, including works by Godard, Bertolucci, and Aki Kaurismäki. He has been nominated for and won several awards throughout his career, including the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1987 for his performance in "The Death of the Young English Patient".

In addition to acting, Léaud has also directed several films, including "The Little Gangster" and "Love on the Ground". He has also written and co-written several screenplays, and in 1988, he published a book entitled "Les Enfants Jouent Le Cinéma".

Léaud continues to work in the film industry today, and remains a highly respected figure in French cinema.

Read more about Jean-Pierre Léaud on Wikipedia »

Daniel Pennac

Daniel Pennac (December 1, 1944 Casablanca-) a.k.a. Daniel Pennacchioni or Pennac is a French novelist, writer, screenwriter and actor.

He was born in Morocco to a Corsican father and a French mother. Pennac is best known for his series of novels about the Malaussène family, set in Belleville, a district of Paris. These novels include "La Fée Carabine," "Au Bonheur des Ogres," and "La Petite Marchande de Prose." He has also written essays, plays, and screenplays, and has been awarded several prestigious literary prizes in France. Additionally, Pennac has been involved in promoting literacy and encouraging children to read, and has written books specifically aimed at young readers.

Read more about Daniel Pennac on Wikipedia »

Frédéric Vitoux

Frédéric Vitoux (August 19, 1944 Vitry-aux-Loges-) a.k.a. Frederic Vitoux is a French novelist, screenwriter and actor.

He is a graduate of the prestigious Ecole Normale Supérieure and holds a doctorate in literature from the Sorbonne. Vitoux began writing novels in the 1970s and has since published several works including "Le Théâtre de la jeunesse", "La Comédie de la culture", and "La Part de l'autre". He has also written screenplays for several films including "Le site", which won the award for Best First Work at Cannes in 1978. In addition to his writing career, Vitoux has acted in several films and television shows including "L'Homme qui aimait les femmes" and "Cinéma, de notre temps". He is also a member of the prestigious Académie française, having been elected to the seat previously held by François Mauriac.

Read more about Frédéric Vitoux on Wikipedia »

Patrick Topaloff

Patrick Topaloff (December 30, 1944 France-March 7, 2010 Paris) a.k.a. Topaloff, Patrick was a French singer, comedian and actor.

He started his career as a cabaret singer in the 1960s and gained popularity with his humorous and irreverent style. He released several albums throughout the 1970s and also appeared in various films and television shows. Topaloff became known for his collaborations with French comedian Sim, and the two of them often performed together in films and on stage. He was also a regular guest on French television shows and hosted his own program in the 1980s. Despite his success in entertainment, Topaloff faced personal struggles and battled addiction. He passed away at the age of 65 due to a heart attack. His legacy lives on as a beloved figure in French popular culture.

Read more about Patrick Topaloff on Wikipedia »

Pierre Arditi

Pierre Arditi (December 1, 1944 Paris-) a.k.a. Pierre Marie Denis Arditi or Pierre Arditti is a French actor and voice actor. His child is called Frédéric Arditi.

Pierre Arditi began his acting career in the theatre before transitioning to film and television. He has appeared in numerous French films and is a prominent figure in French cinema. He has received multiple awards for his acting work including the César Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Mélo in 1986. Arditi is also an accomplished voice actor and has voiced characters in various animated films and television shows. Along with his career in performing arts, Arditi is an avid collector of books and has published a book about his personal library. He is actively involved in promoting cultural events and has also been involved in political activism, particularly in support of Leftist and Socialist causes.

Read more about Pierre Arditi on Wikipedia »

Mike Marshall

Mike Marshall (September 13, 1944 Hollywood-June 1, 2005 Caen) also known as Michael Marshall was a French actor. His children are called Sarah Marshall, Samantha Marshall, William Marshall, Deborah Marshall, Peter-Morgan Marshall and Jessie-Lee Marshall.

Marshall initially gained recognition for his work in theater, particularly his performance in "Hair" in Paris. He later transitioned to television and film, appearing in over 70 feature films throughout his career. Some of his notable roles include "Les Ripoux" (1984), "Subway" (1985), and "Germinal" (1993). Marshall was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to seamlessly transition between dramatic and comedic roles. Outside of acting, Marshall was also a talented musician, playing guitar and singing in a band called "Mike and the Cookies." He was married to actress Michèle Laroque from 1995 until his death in 2005.

Read more about Mike Marshall on Wikipedia »

Alain Souchon

Alain Souchon (May 27, 1944 Casablanca-) a.k.a. Alian Souchon, Souchon Alain or Souchon, Alain is a French singer, singer-songwriter and actor.

He started his career in music in the 1970s, initially gaining success as a pop singer with hits like "J'ai 10 ans" and "Bidon". As he continued to release albums in the following years, Souchon began incorporating elements of rock and folk music into his work, and gained a reputation as one of France's most eclectic and innovative artists. Throughout his career, he has released numerous acclaimed albums, earned several prestigious awards, and has also acted in a number of films and television shows. Souchon's music is known for its poetic lyrics and fresh, inventive melodies, and his influence has been felt across generations of French musicians.

Read more about Alain Souchon on Wikipedia »

Patrice Chéreau

Patrice Chéreau (November 2, 1944 Lézigné-October 7, 2013 Paris) a.k.a. Patrice Chereau was a French actor, film director, screenwriter, theatre director, opera director and film producer.

Chéreau began his career in theatre as a teenager and quickly gained recognition for his innovative approach to stage productions. He went on to direct several successful stage plays, including "The Marriage of Figaro" at the age of 23. In the 1970s, he shifted his focus to film and directed his debut feature, "La Chair de l'orchidée" in 1975. He then directed several critically acclaimed films, including "Queen Margot" (1994) and "Intimacy" (2001).

Chéreau was also a respected opera director, known for his unconventional productions that challenged traditional staging techniques. He directed productions at major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London. He was also the director of the 1981 edition of the Bayreuth Festival, an annual music festival dedicated to the works of Richard Wagner.

Throughout his career, Chéreau received numerous accolades, including several César Awards and a Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. He was also made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France in 1986. Chéreau continued to work in the film, theatre, and opera industries until his death in 2013, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of performance arts.

Read more about Patrice Chéreau on Wikipedia »

Coluche

Coluche (October 28, 1944 14th arrondissement of Paris-June 19, 1986 Opio) a.k.a. Michel Gerard Joseph Colucci, Michel Gérard Joseph Colucci, Michele Coluche, Colhuche or Michel Colucci was a French comedian and actor. He had one child, Marius Colucci.

Coluche was a popular figure in France during the 1970s and 1980s, known for his irreverent humor and social commentary. He began his career performing in nightclubs and became a regular on French television, appearing in numerous variety shows and sitcoms. In addition to comedy, Coluche was involved in humanitarian work, establishing a charity organization called Les Restos du Coeur (Restaurants of the Heart) in 1985 to provide food and assistance to those in need. He also ran for political office, launching a bid for president in 1981. Although he withdrew from the race early on, his campaign brought attention to issues affecting low-income and working-class people in France. Coluche's life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1986 at the age of 41. He is remembered as a beloved figure in French pop culture and a champion of social justice.

Claude-Michel Schönberg

Claude-Michel Schönberg (July 6, 1944 Vannes-) a.k.a. Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg, A. Boublil & C.M. Schönberg, Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil, Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schonberg, Les Misérables, Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, Claude-Michel Schonberg, Schönberg, Claude-Michel, Michel Schonberg, Malcolm Albee, Michel De Ponterrey, Albee, M. Albee or De Ponterrey is a French singer, composer, singer-songwriter, record producer and actor.

Schönberg is best known for his work as a composer for musicals. He is responsible for some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful musicals of all time, including Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, and The Pirate Queen. Schönberg began his career as a singer and songwriter in the 1960s, but his transition to musical theater came in the 1980s. His collaborations with lyricist Alain Boublil have resulted in some of the most beloved and enduring songs in musical theater history. In addition to his work on stage, Schönberg has also composed music for films and television, and has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music.

Ticky Holgado

Ticky Holgado (June 24, 1944 Toulouse-January 22, 2004 Paris) a.k.a. Joseph Holgado, Tiky Holgado, Rocky James, Tiki Olgado, Ticky, Joseph Tiky, Tiki or Tiky was a French actor and singer. His child is called Jessica Holgado.

Holgado started his career as a singer in the 60s before transitioning to acting in the 80s. He appeared in numerous French films, including "Diva" (1981), "The Big Blue" (1988), "Cyrano de Bergerac" (1990), "Delicatessen" (1991), "The City of Lost Children" (1995), and "Amélie" (2001). He was known for his distinctive gravelly voice, his imposing physical presence, and his versatility as an actor, able to play both comic and dramatic roles with equal skill. Holgado was a frequent collaborator of director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, appearing in four of his films. He was also a prolific voice actor, dubbing foreign films into French and providing voices for animated films, including "Asterix and Cleopatra" (1968). Tragically, Holgado died of a heart attack at the age of 59, shortly after completing his role in the film "Blueberry" (2004).

Read more about Ticky Holgado on Wikipedia »

Yves Afonso

Yves Afonso (February 13, 1944 Saulieu-) otherwise known as YA or Yves Alfonso is a French actor.

He began his acting career in theater in the 1960s and made his on-screen debut in the 1970 film "Le Voyou." He is known for his roles in French crime dramas, such as "Braquo" and "Spiral," as well as international films including "The Bourne Identity." Afonso has also worked as a voice actor, lending his voice to French dubs of foreign films and television shows. In addition to acting, Afonso has directed plays and authored several books.

Read more about Yves Afonso on Wikipedia »

Jan Guillou

Jan Guillou (January 17, 1944 Södertälje-) a.k.a. Jan Oscar Sverre Lucien Henri Guillou is a French writer, novelist, journalist, author and actor. He has two children, Dan Guillou and Ann-Linn Guillou.

Guillou is best known for his crime novel series about the fictional secret agent Carl Hamilton, which has been adapted into a number of films and TV shows. He has also written several other bestselling novels, including "The Road to Jerusalem" and "The Templar Knight."

In addition to his successful writing career, Guillou has worked as a journalist, covering war zones in Vietnam, Palestine, and Nicaragua. He has been a controversial figure in Sweden, where he has been accused of anti-Semitism and conspiracy theories. However, Guillou has consistently denied any involvement in anti-Semitic or racist activities.

Guillou is also an accomplished actor, having appeared in several films and TV shows. He has received numerous awards for his work as a writer, including the Piraten Award and the Swedish Academy's Grand Prize for Fiction. He continues to live in Sweden and actively advocate for social justice issues.

Read more about Jan Guillou on Wikipedia »

Francis Girod

Francis Girod (October 9, 1944 Semblançay-November 19, 2006 Bordeaux) was a French screenwriter, film director, actor, writer, television director and film producer.

Born in Semblançay, France, Francis Girod was a prominent figure in the French film industry, having directed over 20 films throughout his career. He began his career as an actor, but quickly transitioned to screenwriting and directing in the 1970s.

His films often dealt with politically charged subject matter, including corruption and social issues in French society. He received critical acclaim for his work, winning several awards at film festivals across Europe, including the César Award for Best Director for his film "Five Days One Summer" in 1985.

In addition to his directing work, Girod also worked extensively in television, directing numerous episodes of French television shows. He also authored several books, including a collection of essays on filmmaking.

Girod passed away in Bordeaux, France in 2006 at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile and highly respected filmmaker.

Read more about Francis Girod on Wikipedia »

Jacques Doillon

Jacques Doillon (March 15, 1944 Paris-) also known as Jacques Poyon is a French film director, screenwriter, actor, film editor and television director. His children are called Lou Doillon, Lola Doillon, Lily Doillon and Lina Doillon.

Doillon began his career as an actor in the 1960s, appearing in several TV shows and films. In the 1970s, he transitioned to directing and quickly gained recognition for his work. Doillon's films often explore complex family dynamics, relationships, and social issues, and are known for their naturalistic style and minimalist approach to storytelling.

Some of his most notable films include "Ponette" (1996), which earned a number of awards including the Best Actress Award at the Venice Film Festival, as well as "La Pirate" (1984), "Le Petit Criminel" (1990), and "Raja" (2004). In addition to his work in film, Doillon has also directed several television series, including "Les Cordier, juge et flic" and "La Kiné".

Doillon has been the recipient of numerous awards over the course of his career, including the César Award for Best Director for his film "The Little Gangster" in 1991. He continues to direct and work in the film industry, and is known for his dedication to his craft and his commitment to telling stories that resonate with audiences around the world.

Read more about Jacques Doillon on Wikipedia »

Jean-François Stévenin

Jean-François Stévenin (April 23, 1944 Lons-le-Saunier-) also known as Jean-Francois Stevenin, J.F. Stevenin, Jean François Stevenin, Jean Francois Stevenin, Jean-François Stevenin or Jean FranÃ§ois Stevenin is a French actor, film director and screenwriter. He has four children, Salomé Stévenin, Sagamore Stevenin, Robinson Stévenin and Pierre Stévenin.

Stévenin has over 150 film and television credits to his name, including collaborations with prominent French directors such as Jean-Luc Godard, Bertrand Tavernier and Olivier Assayas. He first gained recognition for his work in Jean-Pierre Melville's film "Army of Shadows" (1969). In 1974, he starred in the title role of Claude Miller's film "The Best Way to Walk", which won the Prix Louis Delluc. In addition to acting, he has also directed and written several films. His directorial debut, "Double Mixte", was released in 1976. Stévenin has been honored with several awards during his career, including the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2017.

Patrick Préjean

Patrick Préjean (June 4, 1944 Saint-Maur-des-Fossés-) a.k.a. P. Préjeanà is a French actor and voice actor. His child is called Laura Préjean.

Patrick Préjean began his career as an actor in the mid-1960s and has since appeared in over 120 films and television shows. He is most well-known for his roles in French comedies such as "Les Bronzés" and "La Cité de la Peur". In addition to his work on screen, Préjean is also a prolific voice actor and has voiced many animated characters, including Papa Smurf in the French dub of "The Smurfs" television series. Throughout his career, he has won several awards for his performances, including the Jean Gabin Prize in 2017.

Read more about Patrick Préjean on Wikipedia »

Jean-Claude Brisseau

Jean-Claude Brisseau (July 17, 1944 Paris-) is a French film director, screenwriter, actor and film producer.

He is best known for his controversial films dealing with themes such as sex, spirituality, and the supernatural. Brisseau began his career in the film industry in the early 1970s as an assistant director to French New Wave director Eric Rohmer. He made his directorial debut in 1976 with the film "La Croisée des Chemins" and went on to direct over 15 feature films, including "De bruit et de fureur" (1988), "Noce Blanche" (1989), and "Choses secrètes" (2002). Despite gaining critical acclaim, Brisseau's work has been the subject of controversy, with some accusing him of exploitation and others praising his artistic exploration of taboo subjects. In 2002, he won the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for "Choses secrètes".

Read more about Jean-Claude Brisseau on Wikipedia »

Jean-Pierre Castaldi

Jean-Pierre Castaldi (October 1, 1944 Grenoble-) also known as Jean-Claude Castaldi or Jean Pierre Castaldi is a French actor. He has one child, Benjamin Castaldi.

Jean-Pierre Castaldi began his acting career in the 1970s and has since appeared in numerous films, television series and theatre productions. He first gained international recognition with his role in the film "Le Grand Bleu" (1988) directed by Luc Besson. Castaldi is known for his versatility in portraying various characters in different genres, ranging from drama to comedy. He has also worked as a voice actor, providing the French dubbing for iconic characters such as Mufasa in "The Lion King" and Zeus in "Hercules". In addition to his acting career, Castaldi has also published several books including a memoir about his life in show business. He is considered to be one of the most prominent actors in French cinema and has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career.

Read more about Jean-Pierre Castaldi on Wikipedia »

Daniel Duval

Daniel Duval (November 28, 1944 Vitry-sur-Seine-October 10, 2013 Paris) was a French actor, film director, screenwriter and television director. His child is called Cyril Duval.

Born to a working-class family, Daniel Duval left school when he was 14 to work in a factory. However, he discovered his passion for acting and made his debut on the stage in the early 1970s. He quickly became a prominent figure in French cinema, appearing in over 70 films during his career.

In addition to his work as an actor, Duval also had a successful career as a film director and screenwriter. He directed several films, including "The Murderers" (1984), which won the Best First Film award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Duval was known for his tough-guy roles and his charismatic onscreen presence. He worked with some of the most notable directors in French cinema, including Claude Lelouch, Bertrand Tavernier, and Jean-Jacques Beineix.

Unfortunately, Duval battled alcoholism and drug addiction throughout his life, and his struggles often impacted his career. He passed away in October 2013 at the age of 68. Despite the challenges he faced, Daniel Duval is remembered as a talented and influential figure in French cinema.

Read more about Daniel Duval on Wikipedia »

Philippe Morier-Genoud

Philippe Morier-Genoud (March 2, 1944 Thonon-les-Bains-) a.k.a. Philippe Morier Genoud is a French actor.

He is known for his work in both French and English language films, as well as for his stage performances. Morier-Genoud began his acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in French television shows and films. He later branched out to English language productions, including the James Bond film "Moonraker" and the Ridley Scott-directed "The Duellists." Morier-Genoud has also starred in numerous stage productions, including "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" and "The Importance of Being Earnest." In addition to his acting career, he has also worked as a voice actor, providing voiceovers for films and television shows.

Jean Benguigui

Jean Benguigui (April 8, 1944 Oran-) also known as Jean Ben Gui Gui is a French actor and voice actor. His child is called Antoine Léonpaul.

Benguigui began his career in the theater before transitioning to film and television. He has appeared in over 150 films and TV shows, including popular French films such as "Les Bronzés", "Les Visiteurs", and "Astérix et Obélix: Mission Cléopâtre". Benguigui has also provided voiceover work for animated films such as "Despicable Me" and "Tales of the Night". He has received several awards throughout his career, including the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 2007. In addition to his acting work, Benguigui is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in relation to supporting children with autism.

Read more about Jean Benguigui on Wikipedia »

Yves Simon

Yves Simon (May 3, 1944 Choiseul, Haute-Marne-) is a French film score composer and actor.

He began his career as an actor in the 1960s and appeared in several French films throughout the decade. In the 1970s, he transitioned into composing film scores and went on to work on over 100 films. Some of his most notable works include the scores for "La Boum" and its sequel "La Boum 2" as well as "Diabolo Menthe" and "Le Grand Chemin". He has been nominated for several César Awards for Best Original Soundtrack and won for his work on "Coup de Foudre" in 1984. In addition to his film work, Simon has also released several albums as a singer-songwriter.

Read more about Yves Simon on Wikipedia »

Marcel Bozonnet

Marcel Bozonnet (May 18, 1944 Semur-en-Auxois-) also known as Marcel-Louis Bozonnet is a French actor.

He began his acting career with the Comédie-Française in 1973 and became a sociétaire in 1979. Bozonnet has acted in numerous plays, including works by playwrights such as Molière, Shakespeare, and Racine. He has also appeared in several films, including "La Nuit de Varennes" (1982), "Queen Margot" (1994), and "La Belle Noiseuse" (1991). Bozonnet has received several awards for his acting, including the Molière Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1986 and the Prix du Brigadier in 2004. In addition to his acting career, Bozonnet has also directed theater productions and has served as the director of the Conservatoire National Supérieur d'Art Dramatique in Paris since 2011.

Read more about Marcel Bozonnet on Wikipedia »

Peter Lee Lawrence

Peter Lee Lawrence (February 21, 1944 Lindau-April 20, 1974 Rome) a.k.a. Karl Hirenbach, Arthur Grant or Karl Hyrenbach was a French actor. He had one child, David Hyrenbach.

Peter Lee Lawrence was best known for his roles in Spaghetti Western films. He starred in over 20 Italian Westerns throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Lawrence was born in Lindau, Germany to a French mother and American father, but he grew up in France. Prior to his acting career, he worked as a model and had a brief stint in the French Navy. In addition to his work in Westerns, Lawrence also appeared in a number of crime and thriller films. Unfortunately, his promising career was cut short when he passed away at the young age of 30 due to a motorcycle accident in Rome, Italy.

Read more about Peter Lee Lawrence on Wikipedia »

William Christie

William Christie (December 19, 1944 Buffalo-) also known as Christie, William or William Lincoln Christie is a French conductor, harpsichordist, actor and teacher.

He is best known for his work in the Baroque repertoire and is the founder of the early music ensemble Les Arts Florissants. Christie began his musical career as an organist and harpsichordist before becoming interested in historically informed performance practice. He studied with the renowned early music pioneer Gustav Leonhardt in Amsterdam and went on to establish Les Arts Florissants in 1979. Since then, the ensemble has performed extensively throughout Europe and the Americas and has released numerous recordings under Christie's leadership. Christie has also worked as a conductor with major orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera, and he has won several prestigious awards for his contributions to early music performance. In addition to his music career, Christie has appeared in several films and served as a coach and mentor to young musicians.

Read more about William Christie on Wikipedia »