Here are 18 famous actors from France died at 73:
Blaise Cendrars (September 1, 1887 La Chaux-de-Fonds-January 21, 1961 Paris) also known as Cendrars, Blaise, Frédéric-Louis Sauser or Frédéric Louis Sauser was a French novelist, poet, actor and film director.
Born in Switzerland, Cendrars grew up in a multilingual environment, speaking Swiss German, French, and Russian. He traveled extensively throughout his life, which in turn influenced his writings. In World War I, Cendrars lost his right arm in battle, an event that deeply impacted his literary work. He is considered a pioneer of Modernist literature and his works often explore the themes of travel, adventure, and the human condition.
Cendrars wrote in a variety of genres including poetry, novels, and memoirs. His most famous works include "L'Or", "Moravagine", and "Rhum". He collaborated with a number of famous artists and writers throughout his career, including painter Sonia Delaunay, filmmaker Abel Gance, and poet Ezra Pound.
In addition to his literary work, Cendrars also worked in the film industry, directing and writing screenplays. He acted in several films as well, earning him a reputation as a Renaissance man of the arts. Cendrars was recognized for his contribution to French literature with numerous awards and honors, including being made a member of the prestigious Académie Goncourt in 1952.
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Christian Marquand (March 15, 1927 Marseille-November 22, 2000 Ivry-sur-Seine) also known as Cristian Marquand, Christian Marquant or Chr. Marquand was a French actor, film director and screenwriter. His child is called Yann Marquand.
He died caused by alzheimer's disease.
Marquand began his acting career in the 1950s and quickly established himself as a prominent figure in French cinema. Some of his notable film roles include "Marchand d'amour", "Le Chant des hommes", and "La Chasse à l'homme". He also appeared in Hollywood productions such as "The Longest Day" and "Is Paris Burning?"
In the 1960s, Marquand made the transition from acting to directing and screenwriting. His directorial debut was the 1963 film "Oh! Qué mambo", which he also co-wrote. He went on to direct several more films, including "Candy" starring Marlon Brando and Richard Burton.
Marquand was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and was a prominent member of the French jet set of the 1960s and 70s. He was married twice and had several high-profile romantic relationships, including one with actress Brigitte Bardot.
Towards the end of his life, Marquand struggled with Alzheimer's disease and passed away in 2000 at the age of 73. Despite his illness, he continued to work in the film industry until the early 1990s.
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Philippe Hériat (September 15, 1898 Paris-October 10, 1971 Paris) also known as Philippe Heriat, Raymond Payelle or Raymond Gérard Payelle was a French novelist, actor and playwright.
He was the son of the painter and writer Georges Hériat, and as a young man, he started writing under the pseudonym Raymond Payelle. His first published work was a collection of short stories titled "Amours passagères" which was released in 1926.
As an actor, Philippe Hériat made his debut on the stage in the early 1920s and later ventured into film acting with his first major role in the film "The Murderer is Not Guilty" (1930). He went on to appear in several notable French films, including "The Devil's Envoys" (1942) and "Le Plaisir" (1952).
Hériat's literary works were varied, and he wrote both serious and light-hearted works. His most famous novel, "Les Enfants terribles" (1929), was adapted into a film by Jean-Pierre Melville in 1950. He also wrote plays, including "La Reine verte" (1951) and "Le Marchand de Venise" (1953).
Hériat was a member of the Académie Goncourt from 1955 until his death in 1971.
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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.
He died in natural causes.
Throughout his career, Jean Carmet appeared in over 200 films and television series, becoming one of France's most beloved and recognizable actors. He notably worked with renowned French directors such as Jean Renoir, Louis Malle, and François Truffaut. Some of his most notable films include "Le Retour de Martin Guerre," "Les Misérables," "The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe," and "The Closet." Besides acting, Carmet also worked as a screenwriter for several films. In addition to his successful career in the entertainment industry, Carmet was an avid wine grower and produced his own wine in the Loire Valley.
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Jacques Tourneur (November 12, 1904 Paris-December 19, 1977 Bergerac) otherwise known as Jack Tourneur or Jack Turner was a French film director, television director, actor and film editor.
Tourneur began his career in film in the early 1930s and is best known for directing classic horror films such as "Cat People" (1942) and "The Leopard Man" (1943). He also made a number of critically acclaimed films noirs, including "Out of the Past" (1947) and "Nightfall" (1957). Tourneur was known for his use of inventive camera angles, shadow and light to create suspense and tension in his films. He continued to work in television in the 1950s and 1960s, directing episodes of popular shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Fugitive." Tourneur passed away in Bergerac, France in 1977 at the age of 73.
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Léon Bary (June 6, 1880 Paris-January 7, 1954 Paris) a.k.a. Leon Bary, Léon Barry or Leon Barry was a French actor and film director.
He started his career on stage in the late 1890s and later made a name for himself as a character actor in the French film industry. He appeared in some of the earliest silent films and went on to star in over 80 films throughout his career. Bary was known for his versatility and often portrayed both villains and heroic characters. In addition to his acting work, he also directed several films in the 1920s. Bary's legacy in film has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Michel Saint-Denis (September 13, 1897 Beauvais-July 31, 1971 London) was a French actor.
He is most well known for his work as a theatre director and teacher. Saint-Denis began his career as an actor, performing with the Comédie-Française and the Old Vic, but later turned his focus to directing. He established the theatre company Theatre Studio in London, which trained many prominent actors in the 1940s and 50s. He also taught at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and the Juilliard School in New York. Saint-Denis was a proponent of the idea that theatre should be a collaborative effort between actors, directors, and designers, and his innovative approaches to staging and design greatly influenced the theatre world. He wrote several books on theatre, including "Training for the Theatre" and "Theatre: The Rediscovery of Style and Other Writings".
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André Charlot (July 26, 1882 Paris-May 20, 1956 Woodland Hills) also known as André Eugene Maurice Charlo or Andre Charlot was a French actor and impresario. His child is called Philip Charlot.
Charlot is most famous for his work as an impresario and producer, particularly in the musical theater genre. He played a pivotal role in the London theater scene and was credited with being one of the key figures in the development of the West End. Charlot produced a number of popular shows during his career, including "The Bing Boys Are Here" and "The Better 'Ole," both of which were hugely successful and helped to establish him as a major player in the world of theater. He was also known as a talented comedian, and often performed on stage alongside other notable actors of the time such as Leslie Henson and Beatrice Lillie. Despite his many successes, Charlot faced financial and personal struggles later in life, and died in relative obscurity in California in 1956.
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Michel Duchaussoy (November 29, 1938 Valenciennes-March 13, 2012 Paris) also known as Michel René Jacques Duchaussoy or Michel Rene Jacques Duchaussoy was a French actor.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Duchaussoy started his acting career in 1960 appearing in the film "Les Bonnes Femmes". He went on to appear in over 130 films, including "Is Paris Burning?", "The Unbearable Lightness of Being", and "Tell No One". He was also a prolific stage actor, performing in numerous productions with the Comédie Française and other theaters. In addition to his work in film and theater, Duchaussoy lent his voice to many French-dubbed versions of foreign films and TV shows. He was honored with the prestigious Molière Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2002 for his performance in "L'Enfant du Jeu".
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Sam Marx (October 23, 1859 Mertzwiller-May 10, 1933 Los Angeles) also known as Frenchie, Simon Marrix or Samuel Marx was a French actor. He had six children, Harpo Marx, Zeppo Marx, Gummo Marx, Leonard Marx, Groucho Marx and Manfred Marx.
Though Sam Marx was an actor himself, he is perhaps best known for being the father of the famous Marx Brothers comedy team. He was born in France, but his family moved to New York City when he was a teenager. Sam and his wife, known as Minnie, were both in show business and encouraged their children to pursue performing as well. Under the guidance of Sam and Minnie, the Marx Brothers honed their comedic skills and created a unique brand of humor that would make them beloved by audiences for generations. Even after Sam retired from acting, he remained closely involved with his children's careers and served as a mentor to them throughout their lives.
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Gabriel Cattand (November 29, 1923 Bonneville-August 9, 1997 Yvelines) was a French actor.
He appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career. He first gained recognition for his role in the French war film "La Vérité sur Bébé Donge" (1952). Cattand also acted in international films, including the British thriller "The Man in the White Suit" (1951) and the American drama "Is Paris Burning?" (1966).
In addition to his film work, Cattand was a respected stage actor and appeared in many productions throughout France. He also lent his voice to numerous documentaries and television programs.
Cattand was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1991 for his contributions to French culture. He passed away in 1997 at the age of 73.
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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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Paul Bonifas (June 3, 1902 Paris-November 9, 1975 Vernouillet) also known as Paul Boniface, Victor Boniface, Bonifas, Bonifas de la Comédie, Française or The Molière Players was a French actor.
Bonifas started his acting career in the 1920s, appearing in various theater productions and films. He became a member of the prestigious Comédie-Française in 1925 and remained with the company for over 30 years. During his time with the Comédie-Française, Bonifas played a wide range of roles and was known for his versatility as an actor. He also appeared in numerous films, including "The Rules of the Game" (1939) and "Les Misérables" (1958). Bonifas was awarded the Legion of Honor in recognition of his contribution to French culture.
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Raymond Rognoni (August 16, 1892 Paris-September 26, 1965 Paris) also known as Rognoni, Raymond Rognoni or Raynond Rognoni was a French actor and comedian.
He began his career in the early 1920s, performing in theaters and on the radio. Rognoni quickly gained popularity for his witty humor and impeccable timing, and became a well-known figure in the Parisian entertainment scene. In addition to his work in theater, Rognoni appeared in several French films during the 1930s and 1940s. He also lent his voice to dubbing American movies into French. Rognoni's performances were known for their physical comedy and he often used props in his act. He continued to perform throughout his life, and remained a beloved entertainer until his death in 1965. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential comedians in French entertainment history.
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André Lefaur (July 25, 1879 Paris-December 5, 1952 Boulevard Raspail) a.k.a. Andre Lefaurichon was a French actor.
Lefaur was one of the most esteemed actors of his time and appeared in over 110 films. He started his career in the theatre and joined the famous Comédie-Française in 1908. After a successful stage career, he ventured into the movie industry in 1930 and quickly became known for his portrayals of elegant and sophisticated gentlemen. Lefaur worked with some of the most talented directors in France and acted alongside many other notable actors, including Jean Gabin, Fernandel, and Danielle Darrieux. In addition to acting, Lefaur was also a respected theatre writer and director. His contributions to French culture were recognized when he was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1949.
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Romuald Joubé (June 20, 1876 Mazères, Ariège-September 14, 1949 Gisors) also known as Romuald Charles Eugène Goudins Jean Sylve Joubé or Romuald Charles Eugène Goudens Jean Sylve Joubé was a French actor.
He began his career on stage in the late 1890s before transitioning to film in the early 1900s. Joubé appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, including the silent film classic "Napoleon" (1927) directed by Abel Gance. He was known for his tall stature, expressive face, and natural acting style. Joubé was also a director and screenwriter, and founded his own production company, Les Films Romuald Joubé, in 1929. He continued working in film until his death in 1949 at the age of 73.
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André Bauge (January 4, 1893 Toulouse-May 26, 1966 Clichy) also known as Andre Bauge, Bauge, André or André Baugé was a French actor and opera singer.
He was renowned for his comic and romantic performances, especially as a leading baritone in the French operettas of the early 20th century. Bauge began his career as a movie actor, debuting in the silent film "Fatma Loves Georges" in 1916. However, his true passion was singing, and he soon became a sought-after performer in Parisian theaters, including the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère.
Bauge's breakthrough role came in 1925 when he starred in the operetta "Prince Moses" and showcased his soaring vocals, impeccable timing, and charismatic stage presence. He subsequently appeared in several successful operettas, including "The Vagabond King" and "The Merry Widow," cementing his reputation as one of the greatest singers of his generation.
In addition to his stage work, Bauge also appeared in several films, including Jean Renoir's "The Crime of Monsieur Lange" (1936) and Max Ophüls' "La Ronde" (1950).
Bauge passed away in 1966, leaving behind a rich legacy in French culture and entertainment.
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Roger Bourdin (June 14, 1900 Levallois-Perret-September 14, 1973 Paris) was a French actor, opera singer and teacher.
He was best known for his baritone voice and appeared in numerous productions at the Opéra-Comique, as well as other theaters in France and abroad. Bourdin was also a sought-after teacher and taught at the Conservatoire de Paris from 1948 until his death. Many of his students went on to have successful careers in opera, including José van Dam, Gabriel Bacquier, and Régine Crespin. In addition to his work on the stage, Bourdin also appeared in a few films and on television. He was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1961 for his contributions to French culture.
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